Sally, back in the day, as now I hear, there were women who followed soldiers. These people were known as camp followers. Rumor is that they were usually older or somewhat ill. Hope that helps, it is still a common occurrence in the Army. In WWII Patton issues an order that when a soldier was diagnosed with VD a letter was to be sent to his mother. fewer cases were reported. Officers row was officer quarters as fraternizing with enlisted was prohibited.
As far as the mercury treatment the old saying went: "One night with Venus, a lifetime with Mercury!" Interesting that the Fort was still called "Ft. Davis" after the Civil War when they'd just spent 4 years fighting an army with Davis as Commander in Chief!
I made the silver metal sign that hangs under the porch of the Fort Davis Drug Store. That was one of the very first metal art projects I made back around 2002. From that project, the Sproul Ranch contacted me to make several metal signs for their hunting lodge and for the Harvard Hotel they built next to the drug store. Fort Davis is my favorite town in Texas. My wife and I have made many friends down there because of the work we did for several years in that town. It's a great place to visit.
Ft. Davis is an awesome place to visit. I have been there a number of times, being from west Texas myself. It never fails to intrigue me, the silence that surrounds the place. One can easily feel the spirits that still linger. There are a number of exhibits that display life in the fort all those decades ago. It was actually a very busy place and the town of the same name gives off an aura itself. The Hotel Limpia has been there a very long time. I believe that it was built during the second manning of the fort, around 1874 or so. It’s not extremely obvious now but Im sure there was at least one saloon in close proximity to the hotel. The current inhabitants of the town are very friendly and there are several B&Bs that can accommodate the weary traveler who may be inspired to visit this incredible remnant of an era gone by. Fascinating.
Sally, another treat that Ft. Davis does is that at a certain time of day, there is what sounds like men and horses doing marching and formation drills with a voice giving the commands. It is played over loud speakers on the parade ground which is the open area between the enlisted and officers buildings. My wife and I sat on the bench on the hospital porch and listened and if you closed your eyes, it was almost like you were there. It was awesome.
It’s amazing when I watch these historical videos and there’s a mention of a date like you just did. You said the fort was abandoned in 1891. My grandma was born in 1896. I get to see what life was like in the time when she was born. She passed away in 1970. Talk about seeing things change! Thank you for giving me a glimpse of times past.
I was born in Fort Davis in 1957 in a "clinic", because there wasn't a hospital within 80 miles. We lived in Balmorhea, some 30 miles from Ft Davis. Looks like it's improved some since then.
I served in the 2/9th Cavalry .... we called ourselves Buffalo Soldiers in honor of our history. We knew of the history of the post civil war black buffalo soldiers who were effective against the fiercest Indians in the American west. They in particular MOVED the fort away from the foothills of the Davis Mountains because Apache warriors would be able to approach unseen at night and successfully raid it till it was relocated to open ground. Those newly minted black Cavalry Troopers were smarter than the problem possibly because some were Civil War veterans.
Fort Davis is one of my favorite places to visit. The weather is almost always good and there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. I like to ride a bicycle and the loop going North on 118 and back along 166 is as good as it gets anywhere in the US.
Remember going there in the 1960s when I was a little kid for vacation to Big Bend National Park nearby. People who haven't been to this area of Texas have no idea how isolated and sparsely populated even today it is. I can only imagine in the 1800s it must have been like going to the moon or Mars. You had to be tough as nails to survive there.
Thank you Sally for this very informative and historical video!! I wish teachers will show this type of information in their history classes. Many including me never realized there are so many places in America, like in Texas. That still have semi ghost towns, or ghost towns, these are a True treasure and part of history, I have a vision of people if they like should move and start revitalizing with the housing and urban devopment, and rebuilding the old houses, and making it new developments, thank you so much for all your trips...
I guarded the border several years ago in that area, and it was so intriguing to just sit there quietly and feel the breeze, close your eyes and 'see' activity that went on there 150+ years ago. The spirits are certainly still active in that area...and it's a wonderful place to visit.
I agree. We used to visit my grandmother (dad's mom) In Pecos twice a year when I was growing up, which is an hour, give or take a few minutes. We'd go to Fort Davis, and tour the place. Lot of history there. Very interesting. I've been there probably at least half a dozen times, if not more.
Good thing you were guarding the border. We’ve had several borders sneak off without so much as a by your leave. That said, I’m unaware of any borders running through Ft. Davis. We’ve camped there numerous times, I’m happy to report no one in our group was ever required to show our passport. Oh, and “Forgotten History?” How could anyone forget what they never knew? Jus’ askin.’
You are correct, it is called a "magazine" and yes, that's where gun powder and other items such as cannonballs are stored. And yes, a wood house is exactly for that, for storage of firewood
Fascinating information. My wife's last name was Musquiz and we know the family had a ranch along what is now Musquiz creek. I wish we had more time to visit. The history of the area and Ft. David is so important.
That WIND. I never get used to it. So many of these forts from Oklahoma and Texas to Calgary, Alberta were right in the prairie wind all the time. Think of winter.
A magazine is indeed where you store munitions. Back then this would likely be the black powder stores for muzzle loading firearms, and artillery related stores. Normally, these are located well away from inhabited areas (as this appeared to be) and well guarded. Definitely a no smoking area (and still are). As for the STDs....This has been an issue for armies going WAY back in time. Someone mentioned camp followers, and indeed that's what they were. Generally, a town would spring up with sleazy bars, shifty shopkeeps and a cat house or two. And it didn't take long for them to show up. Some towns grew, and the camp followers generally moved on to the next place. Happened with mining towns as well. Some armies actually managed these things. The French Foreign Legion brought their camp followers and ladies of the night with them on campaigns in No. Africa (for instance - this is not restricted to that group). Still today, right outside the gate of any military installation you will find pawn shops, barbers, sewing shops, sleazy bars, strip clubs, and......hookers. Though, I will say, that this has decreased significantly over the last 40 years or so. (I spent over 20 years in the Army, so this is personal observation.) Fort Davis is now on my list of places to visit! If you get up to Wyoming Fort Bridger is an interesting place. Same kinda deal.
Two Edgar brothers ran supply wagon trains to the frontier Texas forts in this area. Some years later, my grandfather, Soba Jon Eaton, ran sheep in the area of Fort Davis for a short period of time. His brother was the local doctor in the town of Fort Davis. His name was either Frank or David Eaton.
Venereal disease was probably acquired before assignment to the fort. Great video! Fort Davis is our favorite place in Texas. Maybe anywhere. We married there at the old Methodist church.
I've vacationed in and around Fort Davis a few times and find it to be one of my favorite destinations in the entire state. It's got beautiful scenery, history and small crowds. Hope you got a chance to participate in a star party up at McDonald Observatory while you were in the area. About that Chihuahua Trail - I searched and searched but never could find any signs of it. Locals couldn't help me either as none of them had ever seen it's actual remnants. Then it struck me: even during it's heyday that trail would only be 3 or 4 inches wide! Duh!
I visited the town of Ft. Davis July 4, 2004. My tour guide was a local rancher land grant inheritor. We attended a parade in Ft. Davis. As the decorated 'floats' drove along the parade route, people on the floats threw money to the observers.
Yes, I have been here many times, Texas History Sally, this is a great place to Vacation as I spent time in 😊 Balmorhea scuba diving and Marfa visiting the lights at night time , lots to do in West Texas…
Cool place...got to visit there last March. Hauntingly quiet with only a couple of other visitors there. Easy to lose yourself and picture the soldiers and their families going about their day. Nearby cemetery on the road to the fort have some of the personnel stationed there were buried.
We watched it after finding out it was filmed in this area. I thought it was a fun movie, easy to relate to since I grew up in a small-ish town. I say small-ish cuz I’m quickly learning our “small” town wasn’t so small after all.
I believe there were Tales of Madam's with a wagon full of her employees traveling from one place to another, partly because they were run out of town or they were following the gold. It's likely both were the reason. And the brick magazine, is your storage 4 gunpowder, ammo and rifles. But mostly gunpowder and ammo
Just wanted to invite you to San Angelo,TX. We have" Fort Concho" which I'm sure you would like just as much or more than "Fort Davis". Hope you can make it sometime.
Comanches were the fiercest indians(I choose this term not native Americans git overit). Apache were scared. Get the book"Empire of the Rising Moon" tells the story of the last chief, Quana Parker. His mother was white, captured by tribe. Quana's son collected😊 artifacts. They're in a museum inside Crosbyton Texas. The greatest artifact collection I ever viewed. Go for it Y'all.
Well done. We live in Boerne Texas and 8ntend to visit the area soon. You should make a trip to White Sands New Mexico to see the Trinity site (first nuclear explosion) someday. Open two Saturdays a year. Wonderful experience to be at a place where history was made. Did the math with slide rules. Gambled that it might cause a chain reaction and destroy the earth's atmosphere. A few hours from El Paso. Enjoy
Armies have had camp followers ever since there has been armies. VD and unexpected, often inter-racial, pregnancies, have been common issues surrounding militaries just as long.
One of the last Indian attacks occurred around 1880, an attack on the El Paso--SA Stage (enroute to SA).....a small band of Mescalero Apaches killed off the pasajeros.....Tx Rangers located the Mescaleros and dealt with them, but never found the Coach or passengers....Mescaleros are now running Ski Apache around the Ruidoso area. Are any of those restored houses for rent @ Ft Davis?? gl
Nice job! … you were spot-on about the Magazine building used to store guns & powder … Your story would have been more compelling if you had also talked about the Buffalo Soldiers and their life experiences at the fort.
I don't understand why you find it shocking they had STDs Guess you never been around the military. FYI the off limit places off forts are off limits. But they always are busy. At one Fort I was at. My landlord was the Madam of the local massage parlor. She was one of the leading people of the town. They called themselves " the committee of fifty" and in a way they were organized crime. I spent many years off and on in my career at that fort. When she was my landlord it was later in my career. And the town had cleaned up quite a bit. But at one time. You couldn't do business in town without the commity of 50 approval. And them taking a cut. If you tried. Things like you business would burn down. And you would be found at fault and fined. See the law and fire chief were also members if the community of 50. If you haven't guessed the Fort was Fort Leonardwood and the town was St Robert. Close by was Waynesville. Which started as an answer to the St. Roberts problem. But would also be controlled by most of the same committee of fifty. Just with less of a grip. Lol. I remember one day talking to my landlord. And talking about old times. And you could see the hatred in her that the committee of fifty had lost so much control. At this time she was all dried up. Don't think this was isolated. This is the story of every Fort I know. In the 90s the Army did a lot to clean up around Forts. By using federal law enforcement. In secret, a good hand in forts being closed. was if the town just off the Fort could be cleaned up. And Fort have always been military towns. Having everything needed without the vice. Commissary, post exchange, Officer club, NCO club ect... You could never leave Fort. But for vice, just as hookers, you had to leave. Though there were exception with that also at times. I promise if a Fort is built a sleepy town pops up close by to farm the soldiers of their money. With a guaranty of alcohol, women and gambling.
Very interesting and well done. Lt. Col. Wesley Merritt previously was a Major General in the Union Army during the civil war and he was on Gen. Phil Sheridan's staff.
You must be a joy at parties . Obviously somebody cares. Our population has grown by 9 million on the last 20 or so years . Every state has good points and bad, I’m sure I could find something interesting to me where you live.
I love the land out there Sally that wasn't your clothes hanging on the line to dry was it lol look like you were having fun there Marty do you ever take a long a metal detector Lord only knows what you would find Sally I love that history always a great job always a great creator you guys stay safe stay happy and remember don't drink the water 🏆🌺👍✌️
On break, I visited Fort Davis back in 1980 when I was working on a Geophysical crew out of Pecos Texas. Being a history buff, it was fascinating. I remember the museum the most; it was the most informative on the site...and...Sally didn't even mention it.
My first visit was sixty years ago. I remember walking into a adobe building, the difference between the desert heat and interior cooling was amazing. I enjoyed the review. Thank you.
This is one of my favorite areas of the state to visit. It is a great relief to visit there during the summer because most of the time you get a break from the Texas Heat. Thank you for sharing
Loved the video. Thanks to you.....and Marty........and the pooch for sharing. I think you were correct on the wood and magazine buildings. Stay well and God bless you.
Sally, back in the day, as now I hear, there were women who followed soldiers. These people were known as camp followers. Rumor is that they were usually older or somewhat ill. Hope that helps, it is still a common occurrence in the Army. In WWII Patton issues an order that when a soldier was diagnosed with VD a letter was to be sent to his mother. fewer cases were reported. Officers row was officer quarters as fraternizing with enlisted was prohibited.
Fascinating! I didn’t know their were military “groupies” back in the 1800s. Thanks for clearing up that mystery. 🤓
General Joseph Hooker provided women for his soldiers. Now, they're generally known as Hookers, as the rumor has it.
As far as the mercury treatment the old saying went: "One night with Venus, a lifetime with Mercury!" Interesting that the Fort was still called "Ft. Davis" after the Civil War when they'd just spent 4 years fighting an army with Davis as Commander in Chief!
@@SightseeingSally there were many prostitutes outside ft mc kavett south of San Angelo. Been there? Its my favorite TX fort
Mostly whores. Whitewash it if you want
I made the silver metal sign that hangs under the porch of the Fort Davis Drug Store. That was one of the very first metal art projects I made back around 2002. From that project, the Sproul Ranch contacted me to make several metal signs for their hunting lodge and for the Harvard Hotel they built next to the drug store. Fort Davis is my favorite town in Texas. My wife and I have made many friends down there because of the work we did for several years in that town. It's a great place to visit.
Ft. Davis is an awesome place to visit. I have been there a number of times, being from west Texas myself. It never fails to intrigue me, the silence that surrounds the place. One can easily feel the spirits that still linger. There are a number of exhibits that display life in the fort all those decades ago. It was actually a very busy place and the town of the same name gives off an aura itself. The Hotel Limpia has been there a very long time. I believe that it was built during the second manning of the fort, around 1874 or so. It’s not extremely obvious now but Im sure there was at least one saloon in close proximity to the hotel. The current inhabitants of the town are very friendly and there are several B&Bs that can accommodate the weary traveler who may be inspired to visit this incredible remnant of an era gone by. Fascinating.
Sally, another treat that Ft. Davis does is that at a certain time of day, there is what sounds like men and horses doing marching and formation drills with a voice giving the commands. It is played over loud speakers on the parade ground which is the open area between the enlisted and officers buildings. My wife and I sat on the bench on the hospital porch and listened and if you closed your eyes, it was almost like you were there. It was awesome.
It’s amazing when I watch these historical videos and there’s a mention of a date like you just did. You said the fort was abandoned in 1891. My grandma was born in 1896. I get to see what life was like in the time when she was born. She passed away in 1970. Talk about seeing things change!
Thank you for giving me a glimpse of times past.
I was born in Fort Davis in 1957 in a "clinic", because there wasn't a hospital within 80 miles. We lived in Balmorhea, some 30 miles from Ft Davis. Looks like it's improved some since then.
I served in the 2/9th Cavalry .... we called ourselves Buffalo Soldiers in honor of our history. We knew of the history of the post civil war black buffalo soldiers who were effective against the fiercest Indians in the American west. They in particular MOVED the fort away from the foothills of the Davis Mountains because Apache warriors would be able to approach unseen at night and successfully raid it till it was relocated to open ground. Those newly minted black Cavalry Troopers were smarter than the problem possibly because some were Civil War veterans.
Fort Davis is one of my favorite places to visit. The weather is almost always good and there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. I like to ride a bicycle and the loop going North on 118 and back along 166 is as good as it gets anywhere in the US.
My favorite part about this area is the view! So beautiful 🤩
Thank you for doing a video on Ft. Davis. Lived their for several years and loved it. 💛
I can see why. Fort Davis and the area around it is really pretty!
Nice to see that the park system is restoring our history. Well done video. I like the music.
I agree! Thanks Jack 😁
Remember going there in the 1960s when I was a little kid for vacation to Big Bend National Park nearby. People who haven't been to this area of Texas have no idea how isolated and sparsely populated even today it is. I can only imagine in the 1800s it must have been like going to the moon or Mars. You had to be tough as nails to survive there.
I remember climbing up on all those structures as a little girl and I'm 67 years old
Thank you Sally for this very informative and historical video!! I wish teachers will show this type of information in their history classes. Many including me never realized there are so many places in America, like in Texas. That still have semi ghost towns, or ghost towns, these are a True treasure and part of history, I have a vision of people if they like should move and start revitalizing with the housing and urban devopment, and rebuilding the old houses, and making it new developments, thank you so much for all your trips...
Super cool 😎 👍New video!
Woohoo 🙌 Thank you 😊
I guarded the border several years ago in that area, and it was so intriguing to just sit there quietly and feel the breeze, close your eyes and 'see' activity that went on there 150+ years ago. The spirits are certainly still active in that area...and it's a wonderful place to visit.
I agree. We used to visit my grandmother (dad's mom) In Pecos twice a year when I was growing up, which is an hour, give or take a few minutes. We'd go to Fort Davis, and tour the place. Lot of history there. Very interesting. I've been there probably at least half a dozen times, if not more.
Good thing you were guarding the border. We’ve had several borders sneak off without so much as a by your leave. That said, I’m unaware of any borders running through Ft. Davis. We’ve camped there numerous times, I’m happy to report no one in our group was ever required to show our passport. Oh, and “Forgotten History?” How could anyone forget what they never knew? Jus’ askin.’
Thank you for my service
You are correct, it is called a "magazine" and yes, that's where gun powder and other items such as cannonballs are stored. And yes, a wood house is exactly for that, for storage of firewood
Loving these field trips! The music in the beginning is well thought out and gets the viewer into tour. Keep up the great work!
Fascinating information. My wife's last name was Musquiz and we know the family had a ranch along what is now Musquiz creek. I wish we had more time to visit. The history of the area and Ft. David is so important.
Makes you realize how good we have it now.
That WIND. I never get used to it. So many of these forts from Oklahoma and Texas to Calgary, Alberta were right in the prairie wind all the time. Think of winter.
I grew up in Pecos and visited Fort Davis fairly often. Great to see this part of the country again.
A magazine is indeed where you store munitions. Back then this would likely be the black powder stores for muzzle loading firearms, and artillery related stores. Normally, these are located well away from inhabited areas (as this appeared to be) and well guarded. Definitely a no smoking area (and still are).
As for the STDs....This has been an issue for armies going WAY back in time. Someone mentioned camp followers, and indeed that's what they were. Generally, a town would spring up with sleazy bars, shifty shopkeeps and a cat house or two. And it didn't take long for them to show up. Some towns grew, and the camp followers generally moved on to the next place. Happened with mining towns as well.
Some armies actually managed these things. The French Foreign Legion brought their camp followers and ladies of the night with them on campaigns in No. Africa (for instance - this is not restricted to that group). Still today, right outside the gate of any military installation you will find pawn shops, barbers, sewing shops, sleazy bars, strip clubs, and......hookers. Though, I will say, that this has decreased significantly over the last 40 years or so. (I spent over 20 years in the Army, so this is personal observation.)
Fort Davis is now on my list of places to visit! If you get up to Wyoming Fort Bridger is an interesting place. Same kinda deal.
a trip back in time
Two Edgar brothers ran supply wagon trains to the frontier Texas forts in this area. Some years later, my grandfather, Soba Jon Eaton, ran sheep in the area of Fort Davis for a short period of time. His brother was the local doctor in the town of Fort Davis. His name was either Frank or David Eaton.
Since I didn’t see it quickly in comments, a magazine is absolutely where gunpowder would be stored.
Venereal disease was probably acquired before assignment to the fort. Great video! Fort Davis is our favorite place in Texas. Maybe anywhere. We married there at the old Methodist church.
Fun place to visit just 2.5 hour drive from Midland. Hike the trail above the old fort. Great views. Limpia creek runs behind it.
Thanks for beautiful video, will definitely tried visit in near future! God Bless & stay safe! 🙏🇺🇸
Awesome! I think you’ll enjoy Fort Davis
Thank you 😊
Great presentation. Very interesting.
Thank you so much for this awesome video Sally and Marty👍🤠
Thank you Sally, for another great video, and history lesson.
You’re very welcome Earl, nice to hear you enjoyed it!
I've vacationed in and around Fort Davis a few times and find it to be one of my favorite destinations in the entire state. It's got beautiful scenery, history and small crowds. Hope you got a chance to participate in a star party up at McDonald Observatory while you were in the area.
About that Chihuahua Trail - I searched and searched but never could find any signs of it. Locals couldn't help me either as none of them had ever seen it's actual remnants. Then it struck me: even during it's heyday that trail would only be 3 or 4 inches wide! Duh!
probably a lot of great old bottles in those privies !!!
I visited the town of Ft. Davis July 4, 2004. My tour guide was a local rancher land grant inheritor. We attended a parade in Ft. Davis. As the decorated 'floats' drove along the parade route, people on the floats threw money to the observers.
Fort Davis Texas is a great place to visit. My grandparents lived here and
worked at McDonald's Observatory,
which is also a great place to visit.
Marty barking YUPP was cute and funny!
M-A-R-T-Y!
We went. There on 1967 was great
Yes, I have been here many times, Texas History Sally, this is a great place to Vacation as I spent time in 😊 Balmorhea scuba diving and Marfa visiting the lights at night time , lots to do in West Texas…
Seriously thank you 😊 for sharing this with us 🇺🇸 or just me. I truly enjoyed it.
thanks for a very imformative video. really enjoyed the details of living as a soldier at Fr. Davis. would love to visit this place someday.
You’re welcome Greg. There’s lots to see here, plus there’s town and the state park close by, too.
Great video! You should see old Fort Union in New Mexico and Fort Laramie in Wyoming.
Thanks! I wonder… did Fort Laramie inspire the old western tv show “Laramie”?
M-A-R-T-Y!
Fascinating history
Love it! History with a pretty smile.
Cool place...got to visit there last March.
Hauntingly quiet with only a couple of other visitors there. Easy to lose yourself and picture the soldiers and their families going about their day.
Nearby cemetery on the road to the fort have some of the personnel stationed there were buried.
Great video
Great job Sally really enjoyed this video learned things that l did not know
Marty: "Yup"
Got to love it. ;-)
Great video.
Doug and Pam
Belen, New Mexico U.S.A.
Outstanding video Thank you
What a awesome video details everything wish I was close by damn Thanks 👍 safe travels 😊
I stayed a night at the hotel Limpia, very nice, didn't really want to leave.
Looked like a really nice place to stay, I can imagine why you didn’t want to leave
I never heard of that movie, "Dancer, Texas, pop. 81". I'll have to check around for it because it rates 6.8 on IMBd.
We watched it after finding out it was filmed in this area. I thought it was a fun movie, easy to relate to since I grew up in a small-ish town. I say small-ish cuz I’m quickly learning our “small” town wasn’t so small after all.
I believe there were Tales of Madam's with a wagon full of her employees traveling from one place to another, partly because they were run out of town or they were following the gold. It's likely both were the reason. And the brick magazine, is your storage 4 gunpowder, ammo and rifles. But mostly gunpowder and ammo
Just wanted to invite you to San Angelo,TX. We have" Fort Concho" which I'm sure you would like just as much or more than "Fort Davis".
Hope you can make it sometime.
Grrrreat!
Looks like thats going to be on a to do list very soon.
Fort Davis was also where the army carried out an experiment on using camels.
Post civil war soldiers used cased "modern" ammunition but they still needed to keep gun powder for cannon/artillery.
Good video and a good area to explore.
Officers get their own "Privy". Filling in for Marty He's walking the dog.
Lol you’re hired David
Comanches were the fiercest indians(I choose this term not native Americans git overit).
Apache were scared. Get the book"Empire of the Rising Moon" tells the story of the last chief, Quana Parker. His mother was white, captured by tribe.
Quana's son collected😊 artifacts. They're in a museum inside Crosbyton Texas. The greatest artifact collection I ever viewed. Go for it Y'all.
Mornin Sheriff Sally!
Good mornin
@@SightseeingSally Mornin Dear! Although there it must be night! Just saying!
I've been to Fort Laramie In Wyoming. Very interesting place also
The magazine Is where you stopped by on the way to the privy.
🤣 Just kidding. It is where the ammunition was stored.
hahaha I like your sense of humor Shawn
If you haven't been to fort Bayard New Mexico great place
Well done. We live in Boerne Texas and 8ntend to visit the area soon. You should make a trip to White Sands New Mexico to see the Trinity site (first nuclear explosion) someday. Open two Saturdays a year. Wonderful experience to be at a place where history was made. Did the math with slide rules. Gambled that it might cause a chain reaction and destroy the earth's atmosphere. A few hours from El Paso. Enjoy
Magazine was a place they stored their ammunition.
I never knew there was a Fort Davis but I'm sure millions of people know nothing about Fort Hartsuff in Nebraska near Elyria
Great video..have you checked out six gun Charlie's yet? It's north of balmorhea on 17
Armies have had camp followers ever since there has been armies. VD and unexpected, often inter-racial, pregnancies, have been common issues surrounding militaries just as long.
Been there a couple times...very well restored and quite large! Town is cool also!
Just an FYI, securing a route is a military mission.
Now our military forced the soldiers with the clot shot. Criminal.
Officers and NCOs often had their wives along with them. And there were laundry women etc.
One of the last Indian attacks occurred around 1880, an attack on the El Paso--SA Stage (enroute to SA).....a small band of Mescalero Apaches killed off the pasajeros.....Tx Rangers located the Mescaleros and dealt with them, but never found the Coach or passengers....Mescaleros are now running Ski Apache around the Ruidoso area. Are any of those restored houses for rent @ Ft Davis?? gl
Somewhat ironic, that one of the first outpost for the buffalo soldiers, was at a fort named after the president of the confederate states of America
At the time of its creation, Davis was US Secretary of War , but yeah, it’s ..interesting
Nice job! … you were spot-on about the Magazine building used to store guns & powder …
Your story would have been more compelling if you had also talked about the Buffalo Soldiers and their life experiences at the fort.
A magazine is a place for ammo storage
I don't understand why you find it shocking they had STDs Guess you never been around the military.
FYI the off limit places off forts are off limits. But they always are busy.
At one Fort I was at. My landlord was the Madam of the local massage parlor. She was one of the leading people of the town. They called themselves " the committee of fifty" and in a way they were organized crime. I spent many years off and on in my career at that fort. When she was my landlord it was later in my career. And the town had cleaned up quite a bit.
But at one time. You couldn't do business in town without the commity of 50 approval. And them taking a cut.
If you tried. Things like you business would burn down. And you would be found at fault and fined. See the law and fire chief were also members if the community of 50.
If you haven't guessed the Fort was Fort Leonardwood and the town was St Robert. Close by was Waynesville. Which started as an answer to the St. Roberts problem. But would also be controlled by most of the same committee of fifty. Just with less of a grip.
Lol. I remember one day talking to my landlord. And talking about old times. And you could see the hatred in her that the committee of fifty had lost so much control. At this time she was all dried up.
Don't think this was isolated. This is the story of every Fort I know.
In the 90s the Army did a lot to clean up around Forts. By using federal law enforcement.
In secret, a good hand in forts being closed. was if the town just off the Fort could be cleaned up.
And Fort have always been military towns. Having everything needed without the vice.
Commissary, post exchange, Officer club, NCO club ect... You could never leave Fort. But for vice, just as hookers, you had to leave. Though there were exception with that also at times.
I promise if a Fort is built a sleepy town pops up close by to farm the soldiers of their money. With a guaranty of alcohol, women and gambling.
Very interesting and well done. Lt. Col. Wesley Merritt previously was a Major General in the Union Army during the civil war and he was on Gen. Phil Sheridan's staff.
Right, powder magazine
Just wondering are you and Marty married you two are a great couple 💑
Hmmm, the magazine should have been closer to the privy, you know, have something to read while doing your business.
Lol gotta have reading material ready for privy time
Bless our great President
Yes, he is great, a good man.
🤔
I guess we will have to rename it now cause, racist.
Who cares about any aspect of this dreadful state...
You must be a joy at parties .
Obviously somebody cares. Our population has grown by 9 million on the last 20 or so years .
Every state has good points and bad, I’m sure I could find something interesting to me where you live.
I love this place its my romantic place
God's country
I love the land out there Sally that wasn't your clothes hanging on the line to dry was it lol look like you were having fun there Marty do you ever take a long a metal detector Lord only knows what you would find Sally I love that history always a great job always a great creator you guys stay safe stay happy and remember don't drink the water 🏆🌺👍✌️
Lol it was laundry day so I was multitasking 👚😂 Thanks Duane that’s very much appreciated ✌🏻
Great video, Sally! I wasn’t bored at all. It was fascinating! I never would have experienced Fort Davis without you. Thank you 🌸V
Thanks Vicky, I’ll take that as a compliment, so glad we could share this with you 😘
On break, I visited Fort Davis back in 1980 when I was working on a Geophysical crew out of Pecos Texas. Being a history buff, it was fascinating. I remember the museum the most; it was the most informative on the site...and...Sally didn't even mention it.
My first visit was sixty years ago. I remember walking into a adobe building, the difference between the desert heat and interior cooling was amazing. I enjoyed the review. Thank you.
This is one of my favorite areas of the state to visit. It is a great relief to visit there during the summer because most of the time you get a break from the Texas Heat. Thank you for sharing
It’s a beautiful area! And the weather in winter is pretty nice, especially compared to the typical Wisconsin winter. 😄
Loved the video. Thanks to you.....and Marty........and the pooch for sharing. I think you were correct on the wood and magazine buildings. Stay well and God bless you.
Thank you, I guess that means my memory isn’t so bad after all
Single women didn't go on wagon trains. Too dangerous. Too much heavy work, not the kind women were accustomed to or expected to perform.
Lol Marty … yup. Thank you for sharing your adventures.
Get Marty off camera and you won’t get a word in, I promise 😉😂
M-A-R-T-Y!
I thought this was a great video!
Thanks for another great video!
You’re welcome Stu, glad you enjoyed it!
Great place we lived there 29 years and raised 2 children and 4 nieces and nephews there. Miss it every day.
Many years ago, I would pass the exit for Ft.Davis. I always wanted to go there but never did.
It seems like a lovely little community.