Introduction to Fort Tejon
At the top of Grapevine Canyon, the adobe buildings of Fort Tejon State Historic Park guard a beautiful, tree-lined meadow. Between 1854 to 1864, this U.S. Army fort protected people in the surrounding region from social and cultural conflicts between American settlers and California Indians.
The first U.S. Dragoons arrived on August 10, 1854, and began construction of more than 40 military buildings. A small civilian community developed just south of the fort to provide supplies and labor to the military. For almost ten years, Fort Tejon provided a source of employment, protection, and social activities for local residents.
Virtual School Tours
Explore Life in 1850s California at a Frontier Army Post explores life on the frontier of California in the 1850s through the lens of a remote U.S. Army post at Fort Tejon. Teachers visit the Fort Tejon State Historic Park's Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS) page to book a unique 50-minute virtual school tour for your class at Fort Tejon State Historic Park through the California State Parks' PORTS program. NOTE: This program is best suited for grades 4th, 5th and 8th.
On-Site School Tours
Fort Tejon State Historic Park offers self-guided and guided school tours.
Self-Guided Tours
Self-guided school tours allow classes to enjoy the park at their own pace. Free self-guided brochures are available along with a scavenger hunt focusing on the park's historic zone. Additional information detailing the park's history and resources are available in the visitor center office. The visitor center, barracks, and officer's quarters are open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Self-guided tours are free. Reservations are required and can be booked here through our online scheduling web page.
Guided Tours
Guided school tours of Fort Tejon State Historic Park usually lasts 2.5 hours. The tour begins with a brief orientation about the fort's history in the visitor center. Next, the students assemble on the parade ground for an 1850s basic military drill where they raise the historic garrison flag per army regulations of the period. The students will tour the historic places of the park to experience a picture of life on the frontier of California through the lens of a frontier army post. This includes going "behind the scenes" in areas of the historic buildings that are usually partitioned off as museum display space. Afterwards, your class may have lunch in the park in the shade of majestic Valley oak trees before departing. Guided school tours are limited to 60 people per tour. This is due in part to staff/student ratios and capacity restrictions for our program spaces. Guided tours are free. Reservations are required and can be booked here through our online scheduling web page. For more information, please contact Michael Deagon via email or phone (661) 248-6692.
Pre-Visit and Post-Visit Information and Activities
- Smithsonian Learning Lab - Fort Tejon State Historic Park
- STQRY Cell Phone/Web Site Tour of Fort Tejon State Historic Park
Summer Learning Program
The Summer Learning Program engages K-12 students from afterschool programs and community organizations which offer programming specifically for disadvantaged student populations during the summer months. Students have the opportunity to visit Fort Tejon State Historic Park for a day program exploring the history Fort Tejon. Explore Fort Tejon's buildings, sites, and ruins. Imagine the lives of the soldiers and civilians, and understand the struggles of 1850s life in California.
The stimulating interpretive programs and activities that are presented in the Summer Learning Program help the students advance academically and physically. These programs introduce them to the excitement of being in natural environments and cultural settings. Students also come away with insights and appreciation for their important role as stewards of the environment. For many of the students, these programs provide them with their first experience outside of an urban setting.
For more information or to schedule a Summer Learning Program, please contact Michael Deagon via email or phone (661) 248-6692.