News Release: 10/9/2025

Kerr County Historical Commission – October Meeting
KERRVILLE— Christopher Homan will speak on the topic: Fort McKavett - It's History and Archeology.  
The meeting begins at 12 noon on Monday, October 20. Note the change in meeting location just for the October meeting: Riverside Nature Center at 150 Francisco Lemos Street in Kerrville. Meetings are open
to the public and visitors are welcome.
 
As the Lead Military Interpreter for the Historic Sites Division of the Texas Historical Commission, Christopher Hohman advises and assists the military sites of THC regarding on-site interpretation
and education programming. Christopher earned an MA in Public History from St. Mary's University - San Antonio in 2023. Prior to working for THC, he served as the O'Conor Chair Graduate Research Assistant at St. Mary's from 2021-2024. Homan is currently developing a new rotating exhibit at Fort McKavett.
 
Fort McKavett was established in March 1852 by the 8th U.S. Infantry to protect West Texas settlers
and serve as a rest stop for California-bound immigrants. The garrison usually consisted of 350 to 500 men. Portions of all four African American Army regiments, known as the Buffalo Soldiers, were stationed at the fort at some point during the Indian Wars. The last troops left Fort McKavett in 1883.
 
The State of Texas began acquiring the buildings and acreage in 1968. Fort McKavett became a State Historic Site in 2008 when the operations were transferred to the Texas Historical Commission. The
fort is one of the best preserved and most intact examples of a Texas Indian Wars military post.
 
The Kerr County Historical Commission was organized in October 1975 and is a part of Kerr County government operating with residents appointed by the Kerr County Commissioners Court. The work of the commission focuses on preservation of the historical heritage of the county; identifying historical buildings, sites or cemeteries; and recording and explaining information regarding the history of the county.