Star gazing party set Saturday
By Kathy Thomson
The monthly star gazing party, Stars and Skies of Texas, will be held at Fort Griffin State Historical Site from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 28.
The event is included in the cost of admission to the old cavalry fort, and will be held in the baseball field at the campgrounds.
Other activities at the fort on Saturday will include a Guided Fort Tour from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Guided Fort Tour
Fort Griffin has an extensive history involving both the military fort and the nearby ghost town known as The Flat.
“With a place as significant as Fort Griffin was, there are countless stories to be told about military life at the fort, Indian raids, battles with Quanah Parker and the Comanche, pioneer settlers, gamblers, and outlaws,” said program specialist Eric Ambercrombie. “Join us for an hour and half long guided tour of the fort. We will retell the stories of Fort Griffin and the Texas frontier and help you venture back in time.”
For those with limited mobility, electric golf carts are available to be checked out at no additional cost.
Stars and Skies
Fort Griffin has gained a reputation for having some of the darkest night skies in all of Texas. Due to the remote location of the site, there is minimal light pollution to hinder nighttime viewing of the stars.
“Join us as area astronomers share their knowledge of the night skies, telescopes, and other astronomy equipment with you,” said Abercrombie. “You will have the opportunity to see planets, nebulas, distant galaxies, our own galaxy, and much more!”
The astronomy program will be held in the baseball field of the campground. Site staff will collect admission near the entrance to the campground for those arriving after hours.
Fort Griffin is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Admission fees are $4 for adults, free for those five and under, and $3 for college students, those between six and 18, and anyone over 65. Special rates are available for families and adult tour groups.
For more information, visit www.visitfortgriffin.com or call 325-762-3592.
