Fort Richardson State Historic Site Officers’ Quarters
Jacksboro, Texas
2025 HISTORIC RESTORATION AWARD
Fort Richardson was established in 1867 as the northernmost post in the Texas chain of frontier military posts. Following the Civil War, Fort Richardson stood at the heart of the U.S. Army’s efforts to protect settlers and travelers during ongoing conflicts with the Kiowa and Comanche tribes.
Between 1870 and 1875, the North Texas frontier suffered more raids than any other part of the state. Troops from Fort Richardson pursued those responsible for the 1871 Warren Wagon Train Massacre—an event that prompted General William T. Sherman himself to recognize the severity of the frontier situation. Soldiers stationed at Fort Richardson also took part in the Red River War of 1874–75.
With the close of that campaign, the need for Fort Richardson soon faded, and the post was abandoned in 1878. Of the ten original officers’ quarters that once lined the parade ground, only one remains standing today. It is the only known example of a cottonwood frame building in the nation.
The structure was first restored in 1932 and again in 1972, but time and weather generated new preservation challenges. By the 2020s, the building was facing some serious structural threats: its southwest chimney was separating from the wall, and its foundation was failing.
In 2022, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department launched a comprehensive restoration effort to restore the Officers’ Quarters to its 1867 appearance while ensuring the building’s long-term stability.
Guided by Hutson Gallagher Architects, the work began with careful documentation. In order to repair the historic chimney, firebox, and hearth, each stone was cataloged prior to dismantling so it could be accurately reinstalled in its original location during reconstruction.
The project also included critical foundation stabilization. The existing perimeter stone footing was repaired and repointed, while new concrete footings were added where additional support was needed.
Structural reinforcement was required in some walls, which involved the removal of the historic cottonwood board-and-batten siding. Salvageable pieces were documented and reinstalled in their original location, while deteriorated siding was replaced with custom-milled cottonwood to match the historic material.
Framing at both the front and rear porches was repaired, and new oak decking was installed. The large pecan tree that had grown dangerously close to the front porch was carefully removed, with its wood salvaged and milled for reuse within the park. The team also installed a new wood shingle roof to match the historic appearance and improved site drainage to protect the building from water intrusion.
Inside, original floors and ceilings were removed, repaired, and reinstalled using traditional cut nails, and all historic wood windows were meticulously restored. The project intentionally avoided introducing modern mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems—allowing the Officers’ Quarters to remain an authentic 19th-century space.
Today, it continues to be interpreted by the park as a military residence, giving visitors an authentic glimpse into the life of frontier officers and their families more than 150 years ago.
The award was presented at Preservation Texas’s 2025 Honor Award Ceremony in San Antonio on October 30, 2025.
Owner: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Project Manager: Tracy Hirschman Hutson, Hutson Gallagher, LLC
Architect: Chris Hutson, Hutson Gallagher, LLC
Engineer: Jamie Buchanan, P.E., TSEN Engineering
Contractor: Alan Odom, Premier Commercial Group
