Old Fort Belknap Powder Magazine
Newcastle, Young County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Best preserved of the original structures at Fort Belknap. The Fort, named for its builder, Brig. Gen. W. G. Belknap (1794-1851), was one of the frontier posts placed by the Federal government along a line from the Red River to the Rio Grande to guard settlers from Indians, soon after Texas joined the Union. This was one of 9 stone and 7 picket houses on the site by 1853. Restored by the State of Texas in 1936. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1962
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This powder magazine is the best-preserved original building of Fort Belknap, one in a chain of federal posts strung from the Red River to the Rio Grande to shield settlers after Texas joined the Union. Named for its builder, Brig. Gen. W. G. Belknap, the fort held sixteen stone and picket houses by 1853 on the edge of contested frontier country. The State of Texas restored the magazine in 1936.
Why it matters
Frontier forts like Belknap mark the volatile line where U.S. westward expansion pressed against Native lands, defining the conflicts and boundaries of mid-century Texas.
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Related people
- · W. G. Belknap
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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