Fredericksburg puts on a show this weekend – Friday for school groups, Saturday for the general public – for those interested in seeing what life on the frontier was like. Its Fort Martin Scott Frontier Days. Though there is normally no charge to visit the Fort, there is an admission charge of $5 for adults on Saturday for the 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. event (children under 17 are $2, under 6 free).
Robert C Deming
Things to Do
Frontier Life Reenacted in Fredericksburg at Fort Martin Scott
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History and activities all day.
Photo: Robert C Deming
This authentic wagon sits on the historic Pinta Trail, traveled by Native Americans, Spanish explorers, and western immigrants. The program includes life in a Texas Ranger camp, frontier time period displays, flag ceremonies and military drills, and a sutler store. Re-enactors will help visitors understand daily life on the frontier.
This replica of an original barracks building is the Visitor Center.
Photo: Robert C Deming
This replica of an original barracks was recently rebuilt to be closer to the original plan, and is representative of the changes taking place at Fort Martin Scott. The building serves as the Visitor Center.
Think these guys are having fun?
Photo: Facebook/Fort Martin Scott
The reenactors are well versed in their roles and will help you understand what life was like on the frontier in the 1840s and beyond. This fort wasn’t open long; it was active as a US Army post for only 4 1/2 years from 1848 to 1853. The frontier moved West rapidly and a new chain of forts was built farther west. The fort was used by other groups from time to time, including the Texas Rangers and others in the Civil War. Ultimately, it was a private residence. There was a biergarten in the old jail and a horse race track run by Johann Wolfgang Braeutigam, who emigrated to Texas in 1870 with his wife Christine and 9 children. He was murdered in 1884 for the money in his cash box.
The reconstructed jail building.
Photo: Robert C Deming
The jail was reconstructed in the 1980s, but other buildings made of wood have been re-built recently and will be equipped to demonstrate their use – the Sutler’s Store (Post Exchange) and the Blacksmith Shop are the two most recent.
Re-enactors will introduce visitors to colorful characters.
Photo: Facebook/Fort Martin Scott
Come to Fort Martin Scott this Saturday between 10 and 5 and give these guys something to do! Learn about life in the 1850s in the Hill Country. There will be a food court, children’s games, and pioneer crafts.
