History of Camp San Saba: Civil War Era and Its Legacy

Published: 1952

Updated: December 1, 1994

When the Civil War began, federal troops pulled out of frontier posts, and state companies of mounted volunteers organized to protect settlers from Indian raids. One or more of these companies established a camp on the San Saba River at what was probably the site of an earlier ranger camp. Capt. W. D. McMillan's company, Capt. W. G. O'Brien's regiment, and Lt. Decator Barton's company were among the troops at Camp San Saba. The camp ceased to be active by the end of the Civil War. The community of Camp San Saba grew up near the site and took its name.

Jessie Laurie Barfoot, History of McCulloch County, Texas (M.A. thesis, University of Texas, 1937). William Curry Holden, Frontier Problems and Movements in West Texas, 1846–1900 (Ph.D. dissertation, University of Texas, 1928). Wayne Spiller, comp., Handbook of McCulloch County History (Vol. 1, Seagraves, Texas: Pioneer, 1976; vol. 2, Canyon, Texas: Staked Plains Press, 1986).

The following, adapted from the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, is the preferred citation for this entry.

Vivian Elizabeth Smyrl, “Camp San Saba,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed May 19, 2026, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/camp-san-saba.

TID: QCC37

Original Publication Date:: 1952
Most Recent Revision Date:: December 1, 1994

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History of Camp San Saba: Civil War Era and Its Legacy

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