Located northeast of Tyler, Camp Ford was the largest Confederate-run prisoner-of-war camp west of the Mississippi River during the American Civil War. Operating from 1863 to 1865, it held thousands of Union soldiers captured in battles across the Trans-Mississippi Theater, including during the Red River Campaign. This site is a critical piece of Civil War history, reflecting the harsh realities of wartime incarceration and the complex military strategies in the western theater.

Today, a portion of Camp Ford is preserved as a historical park featuring walking trails, interpretive signage, and partial reconstructions of camp structures. Despite these efforts, the site has suffered from a lack of investment. Infrastructure is deteriorating—signage is outdated, important features are missing or damaged, and amenities for visitors are limited. Public awareness and engagement with the site remain low, undermining its potential as an educational and cultural resource.

Local advocates and preservationists are seeking support to develop and implement a comprehensive preservation and interpretation plan for Camp Ford. Their goals include revitalizing the park’s infrastructure, improving visitor amenities, and enhancing interpretive programs to better tell the story of this significant Civil War site. By doing so, they aim to reestablish Camp Ford as a leading heritage tourism destination in Northeast Texas, ensuring the appreciation of its unique historical legacy across Texas and nationwide.