A black-and-white photograph taken in 1880 offers a rare view of Fort Davis blanketed in snow. The image, measuring 5 by 6.25 inches, captures the military post as it stood in the late 19th century, framed by the rugged mountains of West Texas.
Visible to the right are the long structures of the Quartermaster’s building and storehouse. A large open field occupies the center of the photograph, with the ruins of a small adobe structure and scattered rocks in the foreground. To the left, trees line the edge of the field near the Officer’s Barracks. At the far end stand several two-story buildings, including the Post Chapel and Post Headquarters.
The unknown photographer documented not just a landscape, but a quiet, snow-covered moment in the life of one of Texas’s most historically significant frontier forts.
David Flash (david.flash@gmail.com) is a marketing executive and digital media publisher for Big Bend Times, the media outlet with the largest audience in Texas's Transpecos region. With over ten years in sales and marketing, he excels in omnichannel marketing strategies that boost growth, revenue, and customer loyalty in various industries. Flash earned a Master of Science in Digital Audience Strategy from Arizona State University, a Bachelor of Arts in History with a Business Minor from The University of Texas at Austin, and a certificate in Sales Development Science from Texas Tech University. He holds certifications in email marketing, social media marketing, and Google Ads, showcasing his expertise in leveraging digital platforms for marketing success.
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