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Written by Shirley T
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Saturday, 30 January 2010 10:06 |
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The story of this land started in 1773 when the Spanish Garrison at Presidio Del Norte (at present, Ojinaga of Mexico) established The Little Fort of Saint Joseph or El Fortin De San Jose to protect the local farmers. In 1810, the post was somehow abandoned until Benjamin Leaton and his spouse Juana Pedrasa purchased the property from Juan Bustillos in 1848. Attracted by two important resources namely the water (Rio Grande) and the fertile floodplain soils (Rio Conchos) in this area of La Junta, the couple and their three children made this place their home. After they expanded and fortified the adobe structures into a square, operation as trading post began and served as private fortification for soldiers, traders, explorers, freighters and native American/Anglo settlers on Chihuahuan Trail.
The story of Fort Leaton continued with a few episodes of ugly turns following the death of Benjamin Leaton in 1851. Juan Pedrasa Leaton remarried Edward Hall and they continued the trading post operation albeit unsuccessful. In 1862, John D. Burgess bought the property, expanded and continued the trading post operation. The refusal of the Halls to leave the fort upset Burgess. He was charged with Edward Hall murder in 1872 but his family continued the operation for the next 12 years. In 1927, the Burgess sold the property and abandoned the site.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department acquired the site in 1967, restorated the site and Fort Leaton was opened to public in 1978.
We arrived at Fort Leaton on a Sunday morning and wandered outside the adobe before entering into the patio. One may have the first impression 'Does this site open?' or 'Don't seem like a single soul here!". Trust your instinct, walk through the office door and you would be greeted by the park ranger.
After watching two short documentaries, we proceed for a self guided tour by our own. Explore the rooms and you could be surprised to see a large fireplace (Room 13 & 14) which undoubtedly used for cooking and served as kitchen cum pantry area. Private quarters (Room 1-3), dining room (Room 11), baking room (Room 19) and a chapel (Room 11) are among other rooms evidenced at the site. An interesting architectural research based on the location and size indicated Room 21 could be used as a 'dungeon' during Leaton and Burgess era. Right beside this space is arguably the blacksmith shop.
Imagine centuries ago when this adobe was erected, the construction materials were solely native materials like earth, rock and wood which turned into bricks and walls. The beauty of the thick adobe walls is, it captures and holds coldness in the summer and warmth during winter. Impressive roofing from cottonwood vigas and latillas are also evidenced.
Getting there?
Four miles east of Presidio on F.M. 170
P.O. Box 2439, Presidio,
TX 79845
Phone: (432) 229 3613
Note: This site also serves as the western gateway to obtain entry/permit to Big Bend Ranch State Park.
If you are looking to stay at this place you can try to do a Hotel Search
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Texas Big Bend Country | Fort Leaton State Historic Site - El Fortin De San Jose
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