Productions have evolved to include not only
more Sul Ross students, but students from other
universities, thanks to the internship program. In
addition, children’s theatre and bilingual Latino
Theatre programs continue to expand the artistic
horizon. The Sul Ross theatre program’s resident
playwright, Liz Castillo, directed the well-received
Petra Triology: three bilingual plays by Rupert
Reyes, Jr. over the course of three summers.
Additionally, “Alicia in Wonder Tierra” by Silvia
Gonzalez S. completed the 2010 season with a chil-
dren’s festival in the original amphitheater space.
Subsequent years have featured Pueblo Unido,
a Latin-themed series of new works featuring plays
from Texas playwrights, films, artwork and music.
“The Theatre of the Big Bend will always be
community-oriented,” said Roman, “but we want
shelter, they
devoted their
time to the dreary routine of drills and
patrol duties. With no nearby settle-
ments, life must have gotten boring for
the men. It soon became evident that
infantry soldiers were largely ineffective
against the mounted Comanches,
Mescalero and Lipan Apaches, and so
there was limited contact or fighting.
Occasional skirmishes did occur, such
as the attempted ambush by Apaches
of Captain Carpenter and a small party
as they were cutting poles at the head-
waters of Live Oak Creek. The Indians
were discovered before they could
spring the trap. There were two minor
injuries. Captain Carpenter was
wounded in the hand and one private
was wounded in the foot. At least two
of the Apaches were killed. Two days
later, Indians stole all the animals from
a supply train between Fort Davis and
Camp Lancaster.
In August of 1856, Camp Lancaster
was upgraded to Fort Lancaster. On
July 9, 1857, Lt. Edward Beale arrived
at the fort with his expedition of camels
en route to New Mexico to test the fea-
sibility of using the animals in the arid
Southwest. Later that month, the
monthly express from San Antonio,
consisting of an ambulance and wagon
escorted by seven men from Fort Davis
and a six-man wood cutting detail from
Fort Lancaster, were attacked by a
band of Mescalero Apaches west of the
post. The sergeant in charge of the
detail was killed, but the rest of the
party was able to make their way back
to the fort.
A detachment of 46 men from Fort
Davis was encamped at Fort Lancaster
at the time and their commanding offi-
continued from page 23
to continue to grow. We really try to be a part of
the community and also provide a theatre experi-
ence for our students and students from other uni-
versities as well.”
“The community involvement has been a real
plus,” said Brooks. “There have been so many vol-
unteers as cast members, crew members, the
orchestra and elsewhere, and that is an aspect that
really brings the community together. This (col-
laboration) truly elevates the cultural level of our
community.”
Roman said that the ToBB continues to play to
a wider audience, due to its presence as a major
summer tourism attraction.
“We continue to strive to create a broader out-
reach,” Roman said. “We really believe what we
do is pretty magical.”
cer loaded 89 men of the combined
forces into canvas-covered wagons.
Thus disguised as a provision train,
they headed for Fort Davis. The
Indians took the bait, some 30 to 40 of
them attacking. As the hidden
infantrymen opened fire, the hostiles
realized they had been ambushed and
withdrew. Again, pursuit by men on
foot was fruitless. Although it occurred
occasionally, such action was rare.
Illness and accidents claimed more
casualties than battles, and life on the
post was often boring.
With the secession of Texas and the
beginning of the War Between the
States, Fort Lancaster was evacuated
and its garrison marched out for the
Gulf coast. For a time the southern
states attempted to garrison the forts
along the Lower Road in Texas, but
after the failure of Confederate forces
to capture New Mexico the forts were
largely abandoned. The structures
gradually deteriorated.
In 1968, the Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department acquired it as one
of its historic sites. Today Fort
Lancaster is operated by the Texas
Historic Commission. It is open daily
from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except
Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve,
Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and
New Year’s Day. A visitor’s center and
museum (closed for renovation at this
writing) informs visitors of the history
and attractions of the old fort. There is
an interpretive trail and picnic area.
Educational programs are offered at
various times. For additional informa-
tion, contact Fort Lancaster State
Historical Site at www.visitfortlancast-
er.com or call 432-836-4391.
St. James’ Episcopal Church, Ave. A and N. 6th St., Alpine
Holy Eucharist or Morning Prayer every Sunday at 11 a.m.
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Mission Welcomes You
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Morning Prayer First Sundays 11 a.m.
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