Attractions

This massive adobe fortress was built by frontiersman Ben Leaton in 1848 after the Mexican War. It was built at a strategic site on the Chihuahua-San Antonio Trail. Leaton cornered lucrative trade with area tribes, supplied far-ranging U.S. Army patrols, and was accused of encouraging Native American raids on settlements in Mexico by trading weapons and ammunition for stolen livestock. Of more than 40 original rooms, 24 are architecturally restored and roofed with cottonwood vigas (beams) and rajas (split cottonwood), sheathed with adobe. Includes frontier furnishings of living and guest quarters, dining room, kitchen, storerooms and grainery. Interpretive exhibits trace area history and culture; audiovisual program features desert ecology. Open 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. daily. Closed Dec. 25. Admission charge. (Daily, annual, restricted annual, annual group entrance permits and Parkland Passports are not valid.) Three miles east of Presidio on F.M. 170. 432/229-3613. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/fort_leaton.

The visitor center at the fort introduces Big Bend Ranch State Park.