#1 Jacksboro - 10/03/2009

Our Adventure Across Texas began today and it was a beautiful day to be traveling. Our first destination was Jacksboro. Jacksboro is in Jack County (one of the few Texas counties to vote against secession) and has a population of 4,533 (2000). Settlers began gathering in the area in the mid-1850's and the city was officially renamed from Mesquiteville to Jacksborough in 1858 to honor the Jack Brothers, veterans of the Texas Revolution. Jacksborough was then shortened to Jacksboro in 1887.

This was the official Jacksboro sign we chose. All of our "official sign" pictures will have Tex the Armadillo (held by Brooke here) in the picture.

Another Jacksboro sign.

Jacksboro was the westernmost settlement in Texas after the Civil War although it barely survived Indian raids and was in ruins. Fort Richardson was build just south of town around 1870 providing safety for the settlers that numbered several hundred.

Rob and Amanda at Fort Richardson State Park

Hospital in Fort Richardson

Hospital in Fort Richardson

Hospital in Fort Richardson

Hospital in Fort Richardson

Mess hall in Fort Richardson soldier's barracks

Kitchen in Fort Richardson soldier's barracks

Jain in Fort Richardson. You can kind of see the 4'x8' "cell" we are standing in. Three prisoners/soldiers shared one cell.

The Chicago and Rock island Railroad arrived in 1898 and in 1910 a second railroad (the Gulf, Texas and Western) built through the town. This is the original bridge used by the railroads.

On our way out of Jacksboro, we saw these zebras in a field. When we stopped to take pictures, Amanda stepped in a fire ant mound and was bitten by 7-10 ants. Fortunately (for all of us!), Amanda brought her ant bite medicine which helped minimize the trauma a little bit.

We saw this tribute to the Armed Forces as we drove through Weatherford on the way to Jacksboro.

You can view all of our pictures to, through, and on the way out of Jacksboro as a Flickr slideshow here.