Officers' Quarters
Jacksboro, Jack County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built in 1867 of lumber cut from cottonwoods growing in nearby river bottoms. One of 5 original officers' quarters. Outlasted fort's barracks and stables, which were built of small vertical timbers (pickets). Style typical of 19th century army posts in the west. Only one left standing the United States. Among men quartered here was General Ranald S. MacKenzie, who sent Indians back to reservations, 1871-74. Restored by City of Jacksboro. Maintained by Girl Scouts. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1964.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1867 from cottonwood cut in nearby river bottoms, this is one of five original officers' quarters at the Jacksboro army post and reputedly one of the last such structures standing in the country. Its style was typical of 19th-century western army posts. Among the officers quartered here was General Ranald S. MacKenzie, who led the campaigns that forced Native peoples onto reservations between 1871 and 1874.
Why it matters
The building is a tangible relic of the frontier army and the Indian Wars that opened the Texas plains to Anglo settlement at great cost to Native nations.
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Related people
- · Ranald S. MacKenzie
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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