Fort Davisbr/Jeff Davis County, Texasbr/30 35.300' N 103 53.690' Wbr/Directions: Start at the intersection of SH-17 and Woodward Avenue. Go 50 feet north on SH-17. The marker is on the left (west) side of the road.br/ br/Text: (1808-1889) Friend of Texas. Visited first as officer Mexican War 1847. As U. S. Secretary of War in 1855, built up frontier forts to open West Texas to settlers. Camels imported for patrols, hauling. His postmaster-general and personal aide were Texans, as were many on general staff. After post-war release from prison, visited state and old soldiers he once had told in wartime: quot;Troops from other states have their reputations to gain, but sons of the Alamo have theirs to maintain.quot; County named for him in 1887.