Photographer: Kevin Stillman
Region: Hill Country
Small community in beautiful Hill Country area at approximate site of Camp Verde, U.S. Army frontier post established July 8, 1855, as headquarters for the famous Army camel experiment. Secretary of War Jefferson Davis promoted experiment to use camels for overland communications and transportation across the rugged, often arid country to the west, terminating at Fort Yuma, CA. Taken over by Confederates in 1861; regarrisoned by Federals in 1865; abandoned, 1869. Only remaining structure is now main ranch house of local ranch, not open to the public.
A roadside park on bank of Verde Creek and an old-fashioned general store/post office are enjoyed by visitors. On Texas 173 at F.M. 480 intersection, about 12 miles south of Kerrville.
Nearby Cities: Ingram, Stonewall, Harper, Utopia, Mountain Home, Vanderpool, more...