• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Nutty Hiker Adventures Logo

Nutty Hiker Adventures

Hike Every Hike Like It Is Your Last

  • Hiking >>
    • Hiking Articles
    • Hiking 101 >
      • 10 Essentials of Hiking
      • Types of Hikes
      • Trail Etiquette
      • Hiking Terms & Jargon
      • Hiking First Aid Kit
      • What to Bring On Every Hike
      • Pre Thru-Hike Checklist
      • Hacks to Lighten Your Backpack Weight
      • How to Avoid Norovirus While Backpacking
      • Choosing a Sleeping Bag Liner
      • How to Poop in the Woods
      • Gift Guide for Hikers
      • Books for Hikers & Backpackers
      • Movies About Hiking
      • Subscription Boxes for Hikers
      • Thru-Hiking Trails Bucket List – USA Edition
      • Your Hiking Questions Answered
    • Long Trails >
      • Appalachian Trail
      • BamatoBaxter
      • Greenbrier River Trail
      • Lone Star Hiking Trail
      • Pinhoti Trail
    • Rails To Trails >
      • Greenbrier River Trail
    • Gear Reviews
    • Ask Nutty Hiker
  • Camping >>
    • Camping Articles
    • Camping Gear Reviews
  • Survival >>
    • Survival Articles
    • Survival Gear Reviews
  • Destinations >>
    • By State >>
      • Arizona
      • Arkansas
      • Colorado
      • Idaho
      • Kansas
      • Kentucky
      • Louisiana
      • Maryland
      • Nevada
      • New Mexico
      • North Dakota
      • Pennsylvania
      • South Dakota
        • Black Hills National Forest
      • Tennessee
      • Texas
        • North Texas
        • Central Texas
          • San Antonio
        • East Texas
        • South Texas
        • West Texas
        • Texas State Parks
        • Guadalupe Mountains National Park
      • Utah
      • Virginia
      • Washington
      • West Virginia
    • The Ultimate Road Trip Checklist || Adventure Safely
    • Road Trips >>
      • The Ultimate Road Trip Checklist || Adventure Safely
      • Road Trip Ideas
    • State Highpoints
    • National Parks & Forests >
      • Black Hills National Forest
      • Guadalupe Mountains National Park
  • Motorcycle >>
    • Sturgis 2024
  • Photography >>
    • Latest Work
    • Photography Gear Reviews
    • Portrait Portfolio
  • ✎ Logbook >>
    • My Daily Antics
    • Ask Nutty Hiker
    • News >>
      • Outdoor News
      • Interviews
    • Resources >>
      • Recommendations
      • The Ultimate Road Trip Checklist || Adventure Safely
      • Hiking Essentials Checklist
      • Morse Code Converter || Send a Message in Morse Code
      • Military Time Converter
      • Message Encryption & Decryption
      • Message Transformer
  • Shop
    • My Artwork
    • Merch Store (T-Shirts & More)
  • Video’s
You are here: Home / Destinations / Texas / West Texas / Old Fort Stockton, Texas

Old Fort Stockton, Texas

February 23, 2017 by Nutty Hiker Last Modified: February 25, 202216 Comments

On our way to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, we stopped at Fort Stockton, Texas to tour Old Fort Stockton, an old Army post. Originally called Camp Stockton,  it was established in 1858 by troops of from the 1st and 8th Infantry, US Army.

The original site was located southwest of the present location, near the Pecos County Courthouse. You can tour the grounds and buildings for a small fee. The site includes three buildings from the original Officers’ Row, one of which is a private residence, the original Guard House, two reconstructed Enlisted Men’s Barracks and Kitchens, and the original parade ground.

Old Fort Stockton Guard House
Old Fort Stockton Guard House
Old Historic Fort Stockton Guard House (Prisoner Area)
Old Historic Fort Stockton Guard House (Prisoner Area)
Old Historic Fort Stockton Enlisted Men's Barracks
Old Historic Fort Stockton Enlisted Men’s Barracks

History of Old Fort Stockton

Camp Stockton protected travelers and settlers heading west to Mexico and California from San Antonio. In 1861 the US Army withdrew from Camp Stockton and Confederate Soldiers moved in, however, it was short-lived. By the end of the Civil War, little remained of the original post.

Old Fort Stockton was re-established (at its present location) in 1867 by Colonel Edward Hatch, Commander of the 9th Cavalry. The fort was occupied for nineteen years from 1867-1886. In 1886 it was finally abandoned for good.

Our Thoughts

Definitely worth the visit if you are a history buff or love visiting old forts. Several of the buildings are still intact and you are able to tour them. Some are private residences so you can only admire from outside. Bring your camera and cash. THEY ARE CLOSED ON SUNDAY!

While you are in the area, check out the Old Fort Stockton Cemetery too! It’s located just down the road from the old fort.

Information

Address: Intersection of 5th & Rooney

Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm

Admission: Small Fee, payable at the gift shop

Distance From Fort Hood: 5 hours * 330 Miles

Website

Filed Under: West Texas, Destinations, Texas Tagged With: Historical Site, Old Forts, Texas History

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. rhiydwi says

    March 1, 2017 at 7:50 am

    This looks so interested! I have no personal connections to the army or any other armed forces whatsoever, but still find these kind of places super fascinating! The reconstruction of the enlisted men’s barracks look exactly the same as how such room is depicted on TV shows and films from this century and the last. It’s great to know that those kind of things are at least partially based on factual information.

    Reply
    • Bridget Carlson says

      March 3, 2017 at 9:49 am

      I find them fascinating as well! All historical places I do! I always try and imagine what it would have been like to live back then!

      Reply
  2. tkmom18 says

    March 1, 2017 at 8:57 am

    Love historical places like this!

    Reply
  3. GodlyDivaGal says

    March 1, 2017 at 10:07 am

    Love the history – maybe one of these days I’ll go to Texas…

    Reply
  4. Christine K says

    March 1, 2017 at 11:00 am

    Sounds like a nice combination to visit both the fort and the cemetery. I am not a history buff but I think I would enjoy seeing both of these. The fort seems to have been preserved quite well and would surely be a glimpse into how life was lived there. Thanks for the informative post.

    Reply
  5. Tony (tonyandkimoutdooradventures) says

    March 1, 2017 at 1:42 pm

    Nice little history read. Some nice photos to go with it.

    Reply
  6. Jen Morrow says

    March 1, 2017 at 4:45 pm

    My parents are from Texas and I have been through Pecos county! I have not stopped into the Old Fort Stockton, and I had not even heard of this. I can only imagine walking through the guard house, and your pictures look great. I will have to add this and the cemetery on my next visit.

    Reply
    • Bridget Carlson says

      March 3, 2017 at 9:52 am

      Thank you! It was a pretty cool place for a quick visit! Is it bad that I had a split second thought to put my husband (who is in the picture of the guard house) in those chains lol. After we left I looked at the picture and wondered what you would have to do back then to be put in chains instead of just in the room with the other prisoners!

      Reply
  7. Sky Fisher (@skyvsworld) says

    March 2, 2017 at 12:32 am

    I make a point to visit historical destinations when I road trip so I love reading about them. I have no idea when I’ll make it to Texas but I will keep this in mind!

    Reply
  8. onlybyland says

    March 2, 2017 at 3:10 am

    1858 is quite a way back for American history. I’d visit Fort Stockton because it looks like an interesting building to photograph. I can imagine it gets super hot in summer!

    Reply
  9. Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

    March 2, 2017 at 11:17 am

    What an interesting spot to visit. I love places like this versus the bigger historical attractions sometimes because you get such insight into the bones of a destination. And I love your travel tips!

    Reply
    • Bridget Carlson says

      March 3, 2017 at 9:53 am

      Thank you! I do too! Plus you don’t have to deal with the crowds!

      Reply
  10. Christie Sultemeier says

    March 2, 2017 at 12:40 pm

    The barracks look like a hostel! Haha. You put a lot of great info into this – thanks for doing all the research! Good to know that it’s closed on Sundays too, I feel like I always plan things for Sunday and then later find out it’s closed then. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  11. Joaquim Miro says

    March 2, 2017 at 10:15 pm

    Boy do those beds look comfortable!! Hahaha can’t imagine having to sleep on those yearround!

    Reply
  12. 8duffels2mutts says

    March 3, 2017 at 8:00 am

    I know a few people who would really appreciate this! I look forward to doing some historical tours as an educational tool for our children as they get a little older :-) These barracks are much prettier than I ever would have imagined!

    Reply
  13. The Tales of a Traveler says

    March 3, 2017 at 4:37 pm

    Wow, there is so much history to this place. The next time I am in San Antonio visiting my friend, I would definitely plan a visit to the place. The barracks look so neat and clean. I hope they were so clean when they were actually being used. :)

    Reply

Leave a Comment or Suggestion Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Footer

FOLLOW

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • RSS Feed
  • Amazon
  • Patreon

SUPPORT =)

This blog is my full-time job. I rely heavily on support from my readers. If you would like to help offset the cost of running this blog and my nutty adventures so I can continue to bring you travel & outdoor adventures, please feel free to donate =)
PayPal
Cash App
Venmo

DISCLOSURE

Per the FTC, This website contains affiliate links, advertisements, and sponsored posts. For reviews, I was provided with a complimentary copy of the item unless otherwise stated. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases using the amazon links located on my website. Read my full policy here.

AWARDS/ASSOCIATIONS

OWAA Member Logo Best Outdoor Blogs Best Hiking Blogs

Copyright © 2025 — Nutty Hiker Advenures | Bridget Carlson • All rights reserved.
The links on this website are solely for the convenience of our visitors. Nutty Hiker does not endorse, operate, or control external websites.
Terms of Use • Privacy Policy• Disclosure• Contest Rules

  • Home
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • ☕ Support
  • ✉ Contact
  • Blog Archives
  • Recommendations
  • >> Resources