Trip to Fort Davis -- Day One

We took a little mini-vacation this week, just for fun and to celebrate my birthday. We haven't been this way in a while, and it's really some of our favorite parts of Texas.  We broke up the long drive by stopping on the way to visit one of the Texas forts that I've never been to (John stopped in once years ago when he was out this way for work.) This fort is in Sheffield, Texas.

 Fort Lancaster was established in 1855 as protection for western bound travelers, traders and communication.

 Kitchen and mess hall

 Blacksmith's shop

 Parade grounds

 Company K enlisted barracks

 Cemetery - a mysterious gravestone for "Little Margaret"

 

 This was interesting - the salaries for various fort staff - enlisted men got about $11 a month.

We arrived in Fort Davis at about 4 pm, just in time to check in to our hotel.  We stayed at the historical Hotel Limpia in downtown Fort Davis - the hotel was built in 1912 as a retreat for ranchers in the area, travelers and other locals. They've updated it over the years, but it has that "old world" feel, for sure. 

 Our room was in the Orchard House addition, built in the 1920s.  Very high ceilings. It was okay, but if you plan to come and want a recommendation, talk to me first. ha! 

We had drinks out on their patio first, then dinner that night at the Blue Mountain Bistro at the hotel.  

That was enough for us -- we called it a day. On day two we're going to tour Marfa, Presidio, LaJitas, Terlingua and Alpine.