The Smith County Historical Society on Wednesday told the Smith County Commissioners Court that Camp Ford, a county-owned Civil War site overseen by the society, needs immediate maintenance and requested modest county support for near-term repairs.

Why this matters: Camp Ford is a county‑owned historic property that the society manages. Presenters said visible deterioration and safety hazards shown on a condition report are discouraging visitors and pose liability and preservation concerns.

Andy Birkfeld, board president of the Smith County Historical Society, presented a site condition report and a short funding request. "If you've been out there, the rail fence is falling apart," Birkfeld said. He described dead trees, fallen limbs along trails, degraded signage and rusting trash receptacles and asked the court to fund three short-term items: updated signage ($2,300), a site cleanup including tree removal ($9,000) and fence repairs ($1,250). He said much of the work could be completed by volunteers but that initial funds were needed to make the site safe and presentable.

Commissioners responded with concern and offers to discuss longer-range options. A commissioner said the site "is an eyesore" and suggested exploring wider outreach to preservation groups, volunteer resources and possible use of inmate crews for labor. Birkfeld said the historical society will convene partners to develop a long-range plan and that the society lacked operating funds — it recorded a budget shortfall the previous year.

No formal appropriation was made during the presentation; the society and the court said they would follow up. Birkfeld said he expects the society, a newly formed Smith County Historical Commission and other community partners to present a long-range plan to the court at a future meeting.