Marker Inscription
Originally named Camp Marfa, this installation began as a supply post for U. S. Army border patrol stations in 1911. It was a cavalry camp during the years of the Mexican Revolution. Renamed for Civil War general David Allen Russell, it became a permanent Army post in 1929. Deactivated at the end of 1933, it was reopened in 1935 with artillery units. During World War II Fort Russell became an army training camp, and was home to a chemical warfare battalion as well as German prisoners of war. The fort was officially closed in October 1946. (1989)
About this site
Fort D. A. Russell is a historical marker in Marfa, Presidio County, dedicated in 1989. It is one of 26 historical markers documented in Presidio County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 81 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 30.3041, -104.0241 near Marfa. The nearest cataloged historic site is Building 98, Fort D.A. Russell (historical marker), about 0.3 miles away. Others within a short drive include Hunter Gymnasium, El Paisano Hotel, and Presidio County Courthouse.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5377001978. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
