Qualla: Fort D. A. Russell (Texas)

Fort D. A. Russell (Texas): Introduction

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Photo credit Nzeemin, CC BY-SA 3.0. In 1911, the U.S. Army established Camp Albert in the high desert outside Marfa, Texas, a base for cavalry and air reconnaissance units sent to protect West Texas from Mexican bandits in the turbulent years following the Pancho Villa raid. Over the next 35 years, the installation would expand through two world wars, house German prisoners of war, and train chemical mortar battalions. Then, in 1946, it was abandoned. Three decades later, minimalist artist Donald Judd would acquire the decommissioned fort and transform its barracks and artillery sheds into one of the most remarkable art museums in the world.

Image: Nzeemin | CC BY-SA 3.0

Fort D. A. Russell (Texas): From Camp Albert to Fort Russell

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Photo credit Jonathunder, Public domain. The base began as Camp Albert in 1911, positioned to guard the U.S.-Mexican border during the Mexican Revolution. Cavalry units and early air reconnaissance patrols operated from the remote post, watching for incursions by Mexican bandits. During World War I, the installation exp...

Image: Jonathunder | Public domain

Fort D. A. Russell (Texas): World War II and the POW Murals

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Photo credit Jonathunder, Public domain. The Great Depression temporarily closed the post in 1933, but it was reactivated in 1935 as home base for the 77th Field Artillery. During World War II, Fort Russell expanded dramatically, serving as an air base, a Women's Army Corps installation, a training facility for chemical...

Image: Jonathunder | Public domain

Fort D. A. Russell (Texas): Donald Judd's Vision

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Photo credit Jonathunder, Public domain. In the late 1970s, minimalist artist Donald Judd, frustrated by the temporary nature of museum exhibitions in New York, sought a permanent home for large-scale art installations. Under the auspices of the Dia Art Foundation, he acquired the former Fort D. A. Russell and began con...

Image: Jonathunder | Public domain

Fort D. A. Russell (Texas): Two Histories Preserved

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Photo credit Jonathunder, Public domain. Today, Fort D. A. Russell exists as two intertwined historic sites. The Chinati Foundation draws art lovers from around the world to experience minimalist and contemporary art in the stark West Texas landscape. Meanwhile, the International Woman's Foundation operates Building 98,...

Image: Jonathunder | Public domain