Friends of Fort Griffin leaves lasting legacy
By David H. Waller
After 21 years of dedication to preserving and restoring the Fort Griffin Historic Site, the Friends of Fort Griffin organization is ceasing operations. Founded in 2004 by Cliff Teinert, Bill Cauble, Lester Galbreath, and Susan Waller, the nonprofit group played a critical role in maintaining and supporting one of Texas’ most historic frontier sites.
Through the years, Friends of Fort Griffin worked alongside the Texas Historical Commission, raising nearly half a million dollars for restoration projects, including the Powder Magazine Restoration, New Barracks Chimneys, Bakery Restoration, New Mess Hall Roof, and New Barracks Roofs. Their commitment to the site was recognized in 2019, when the group received the Texas Historical Commission Stewardship Award for their outstanding efforts in fundraising and preservation.
One of the organization’s most well-known initiatives was the annual October gala, which brought together supporters from across the state for an evening of food, music, and fundraising. Past galas featured performances from the Gatlin Brothers, Red Steagall, and the Tejas Brothers, making it a highly anticipated event each year. However, this year, the group made the difficult decision to suspend the gala indefinitely due to time constraints and the lack of current restoration projects.
“We decided to not have a gala this year due to time constraints, and there’s no current projects going on at Fort Griffin State Historic Site,” said Susan Waller, one of the founding members involved in the discussion.
The decision was not made lightly, and while there is no definitive plan for the gala’s return, members expressed their ongoing commitment to assessing their remaining funds and contributions, ensuring that all resources continue to benefit Fort Griffin Historical Park directly.
Despite this transition, the mission of Friends of Fort Griffin remains at the heart of its members. Lester Galbreath emphasized the importance of preserving the fort’s history, recalling the words of Sergeant Jacob Harris, the last living soldier at Fort Griffin, who once said:
“The sacrifices we made and the hardships we endured to settle this part of the country will not have been in vain if those who follow us remember us.”
Galbreath echoed this sentiment, reinforcing the importance of protecting the site’s history for future generations. “If you know your history, you can understand the present and realize the future. It’s important—it still is important to us,” he said.
Though Friends of Fort Griffin may be stepping back, the legacy they leave behind is one of dedication, preservation, and community stewardship—a legacy that will continue to shape the history of Fort Griffin for years to come.
