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Texas Historical Commission outlines 'Texas Untamed' plan for Fort Martin Scott site
Summary
Texas Historical Commission staff presented plans to activate Fort Martin Scott, proposing 'Texas Untamed'—an interactive, all‑weather education center for children using the former Texas Rangers facility, with hands‑on exhibits, livestock interactions and tribal consultation; staff requested city partnership on access, leases and short‑term activation before pursuing legislative funding.
Representatives of the Texas Historical Commission told the council they want to activate Fort Martin Scott as a year‑round family and educational destination and proposed a concept called "Texas Untamed." The plan would transform the former Texas Rangers facility into an interactive center that emphasizes hands‑on history, local tribal consultation, and programming for children and families.
Chris Elliott, director of Historic Sites for the Texas Historical Commission, outlined recent events and attendance gains at Fort Martin Scott and described new activities including Frontier Fest, movie nights and expanded trail access. Joseph Bell, the Commission’s executive director, said the site is under‑utilized and that short‑term activation (including opening the gates and a short‑term lease) could demonstrate earned‑revenue potential ahead of a legislative funding request.
Elliott described Texas Untamed as an all‑weather, hands‑on interpretive facility that could host animals (longhorns, camels), sensory exhibits, a family cafe and curriculum‑driven experiences for schools. The Commission said it is pursuing tribal consultations to weave indigenous language and stories into the programming.
Council expressed support for continued planning, and several members encouraged exploring a short‑term lease or other arrangement so the site can be opened and used while the Commission seeks longer‑term legislative appropriations.
What’s next: The Commission will work with city staff on potential short‑term activation steps, explore lease or transfer options to enable state investment and prepare materials for a legislative appropriations request next year.
