Established in Oct. 1852 by elements of 8th Infantry, and named for 2nd Lt. Theodore Lincoln Chadbourne who was killed in the battle of Resaca de la Palma in the Mexican War. However, post experienced chronic water shortage and was abandoned in 1867, and troops were transferred to Fort Concho in San Angelo, but military continued to use the facility until 1873. Visitors can walk through the grounds and view the fort's ruins, however artifact collecting and use of metal detectors is prohibited. The site is open daily during daylight hours for touring. The visitor center/museum contains many artifacts from the site and are on display.