Speakers
Bill Cavaliere : Apache Resistance to Texan Expansion
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Michael Hughes: KCA vs USA
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Deb Goodrich: The Contested Plains
Deb Goodrich is co-writer and co-executive producer of The Contested Plains, a docu-drama about the attack on the German Family and its context in the Red River War. Co-written and directed by Ken Spurgeon, the actors include Mo Brings Plenty, Buck Taylor, Mary McDonough, Darby Hinton, R. W. Hampton, and Wyatt McCrea. Featured historians include Michael Grauer and Bill O'Neal. Deb will share clips from the production and discuss the story and the making of the film.
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Mary 'Anthony' Startz: William McNamara - First Sergeant 4th US Cavalry 1856-1887 The Journey to Find his Medal of Honor
Presented by his second great-granddaughter
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Joe Creaden – The Warren Wagon Train Raid
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Mike Koury: Indian Fighting With A Bowie Knife
Further updates coming soon.
Synopsis
Only in the state of Texas can you visit eight Indian Wars forts in three days -so that’s what we’re going to do - visit eight forts in three days! We’ll be based in the luxurious MCM Eleganté Suites Hotel in Abilene, Texas. Every morning you’ll have a made-to-order-breakfast and every evening there is a two-hour complimentary happy hour. All this and a suite for $99 plus tax! For reservations call 325-698-1234. Tell them you are with the OIW for this very special rate.
The forts we will visit are primarily the defensive line established in the 1850s to protect the Texas frontier from the numerous tribes contesting the land. Most were abandoned during the Civil War, then re-established after that conflict. Today they range from haunting ruins (Fort Phantom Hill) to what is often considered the most completely preserved/restored Indian Wars post in the country, Fort Concho. The earliest post, The Presidio San Saba (1761) is the largest Spanish Presidio in this country. Its partial restoration helps visualize its immense size. Combine all of this with what I believe is the finest Western History Museum in the country – Frontier Texas – and you have a tour you won’t want to miss. We have only one bus – don’t miss it. Get on board now – The Texas Forts Trail with the Order the of the Indian Wars, September 15 – 18, 2022, Abilene, Texas.
While every attempt was made to hold the price down, the cost of the bus more than doubled over last year – from $3,400 to over $7,000. The price per person will be $525. Please remember you must be a member to go on the tour. This website will have the latest news.
Questions? Call Mike Koury at 970-587-9530.
Click on the map below to navigate to the Texas Forts Trail website. and learn more about the places we will visti.
Check out this article from the Texas Historical Commission that covers some of the forts we will be visiting.​
Lodging Arrangements
Base camp for this assembly will the beautiful MCM Eleganté Suites Hotel in Abilene, Texas. Our special group rate will get you a suite at $99 per night. Reservations can be made for two days before and two after the end our assembly if you'd like to extend your stay. The nightly rate includes made to order breakfast and a happy hour each evening. Be sure to call the local number at 325-698-1234 and mention the OIW to get the special rate.


Itinerary
Thursday September 15, 2022
Registration (12:00-1:00)
Speakers, dinner and a movie
Friday, September 16, 2022
Fort Chadbourne
Fort Phantom Hill
Frontier Texas Muesum
Saturday, September 17, 2022
Fort Richardson
Fort Belknap
Fort Griffin
Sunday, September 18, 2022
Presidio San Saba
Fort McKavett
Fort Concho
Banquet