Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Around San Angelo
Sights & Activities
Fort McKavett State Historical Park
( 325-396-2358;
www.visitfortmckavett.com
; FM 864; adult/child $4/3; 8am-5pm)
General William
Tecumseh Sherman once called this fort along the San Saba River 'the prettiest post in
Texas.' Today, Fort McKavett State Historical Park, about 75 miles southeast of San An-
gelo, preserves the striking ruins of a once-important fort.
Fort McKavett was established by the Eighth Infantry of the US Army in 1852 as a bul-
wark against Comanche and Apache raids. The fort saw its peak in the mid-1870s, when it
housed more than 400 troops and many civilians. Some of the 25 buildings have been re-
stored; the grounds are alive with wildflowers for much of the year. Check out the boiled
turnips recipe in the excellent museum.
HISTORIC SITE
Presidio de San Sabá
(
www.presidiodesansaba.com
; off US 190; 8am-5pm)
What was once the largest Spanish
fort in Texas has been beautifully restored. Presidio de San Sabá dates to 1757 and is close
to the town of Menard, some 21 miles northeast of Fort McKavett. The site is great for
wandering, especially when it's just you, bird calls and the buzz of cicadas.
HISTORIC SITE
X Bar Ranch
( 888-853-2688, 325-853-2688;
www.xbarranch.com
; 5 N Divide, Eldorado; day use $10)
Near Eldorado, a
town best known for its wool mills, this 7100-acre ranch may be just what you're looking
for if you're hankering for a real Western holiday. There's horseback riding, of course,
plus stargazing, hikes to view Indian mounds, bird-watching and ranch activities. Accom-
modation at the ranch includes campsites (from $10) and comfortable cabins (from $100).
The ranch is 40 miles south of San Angelo, off US 277.
RANCH
