By John Fuess, Cuddy Valley

I started at Fort Tejon in 1991 with historical reenactment as a U.S. Army Dragoon. My horse “Red” likes to come with me. In 1996 I started doing Civil War reenactment. In 1854 Fort Tejon was the only settlement between Los Angeles and Stockton. Frazier Park and Lebec got their start from the fort. In 2001 I worked with a group of volunteers to begin reconstructing the quartermaster building.

Fort Tejon State Historic Park supplied the money for the materials. Within three years we had a complete building with a working blacksmith’s shop and a carpenter’s workshop as well. Most of the work done on the buildings at the fort has been done by volunteers.

Fort Tejon hosts over 100,000 vistors each year who enjoy historical demonstrations and exhibits of life in California during the 1850s. Over 5,000 4th graders participate in overnight living history programs.

This priceless experience is only at Fort Tejon. I urge you to oppose the closing of Fort Tejon by contacting your state legistlators today:

State Senator Jean Fuller
senator.fuller@sen.ca.gov
661-323-0443
State Senator Michael Rubio
michael.rubio@sen.ca.gov
661-395-2620
Assembly Mbr. Shannon Grove
assemblymember.grove@assembly.ca.gov
661-395-2995

This is part of the July 01, 2011 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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