Fort Chadbourne is a preserved 1850s frontier post in Coke County

Fort Chadbourne sits along U.S. 277 north of Bronte in Coke County. The Texas Historical Commission marker says the U.S. Army established it on October 28, 1852, to protect frontier settlers. Federal troops occupied the post from 1852 to 1867.

The marker also ties the fort to the Butterfield Overland stage route from 1858 to 1861. TSHA's Coke County history adds another local thread: Robert E. Lee served at Fort Chadbourne, and Robert Lee later became the county seat.