BRACKETTVILLE

Population 1,742

Altitude 1,110

General

Established as supply village for adjacent Fort Clark in 1852. Fort was one of the most historic military posts in Southwest. Over the years, many infantry regiments and most of the Army's cavalry units saw duty at Fort Clark. Deactivated in 1944, property is now resort development. Town also became trade center for surrounding ranches and irritated farms. Seat of Kinney County. Hunting in area for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, javelina, and upland game birds.

SEMINOLE INDIAN SCOUT CEMETERY

Attractions

ALAMO VILLAGE - Western family recreation center built around the movie set for John Wayne's "The Alamo," filmed in 1959. The set was one of the largest and most complete ever constructed in the U.S. The Alamo replica, built by adobe craftsmen from Mexico, overlooks a complete frontier village of the 1800s. Operated by ShahanAngus Ranch, set includes a cantina-restaurant, trading post, Indian store, authentic stage depot, old-time jail, bank, saddle shop, and other typical Old West structures. During summer months visitors see regular country/Western shows - often interrupted by shoot-outs between frontier lawmen and desperadoes. Set is still used for movies, television and commercials. Open daily at 9 a.m.; 7 miles north on R.M. 674; admission. 210-563-2580
FORT CLARK SPRINGS - Site of Fort Clark, established in 1852. Notable military officers who served here include Col. Ronald S. Mackenzie, Generals George C. Patton, and George C. Marshall. The fort was deacitivated in 1944. Today a resort-retirement community open to the public offering motel, restaurant, RV park, 18 hole golf course, and giant spring-fed swimming pool. For reservations call 210-563-2493 or 1-800-937-1590.
Old Guardhouse Museum has local and pioneer history exhibits. Museum open Sat., Sun. 1 to 4 p.m. Operated by Fort Clark Historical Society of Kinney County.
HISTORIC BUILDINGS - Several in area are of historical interest. St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church dates from 1878; Masonic Lodge Building, c 1879, was original county courthouse. It stands next to present courthouse, and is dated by outside staircase.
SCENIC DRIVES - Two highways lead north into scenic landscapes of the Hill Country, rich in wild game and beautiful vitas. Among sheep, goats, and cattle in rocky pastures, travelers may catch glimpses of white-tailed deer or wild turkey, especially n the late afternoon. Several views of West Nueces River winding among steep cliffs and hills. R.M. 674 north to Rocksprings or R.M. 334 northeast to intersection with Texas 55.
SEMINOLE INDIAN SCOUT CEMETERY - Dating from frontier era, scouts descended from slaves stolen from plantations by Florida Seminoles. Moved to Oklahoma after Seminole War, many scouts migrated toward Mexico. Army hired 150 as scouts to follow trails of raiding Indians. A group settled in Brackettville around Fort Clark. Descendants remain as farmers and ranchers, and maintain old cemetery on county road about 3 miles south. Graves include four Medal of Honor winners.

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