Founded in 1867 as a frontier outpost to protect early West Texas settlers, Fort Concho is the reason that San Angelo exists today. The town literally grew up around the fort, and now the town boasts the fort as its primary tourist attraction. The national historic landmark includes a visitor center, museum and parade grounds. Seventeen buildings on the fort grounds have been restored original and five are rebuilt giving the visitors an authentic feel for the frontier days of the mid-1880s. A number of the buildings are open to the public and house an extensive collection of artifacts from the Indian Wars period. Fort Concho is a part of the Texas Forts Trail program and was home of the famous Buffalo Soldiers and houses their exhibits. Periodically, living history demonstrations are held at the fort, with soldiers in authentic dress conducting exercises on the parade grounds. Several other events are held at the fort throughout the year, including Frontier Day in June and Christmas at Old Fort Concho in December.
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $2, adults; $1.50, military and senior citizens; and $1.25, students. Group rates are available. For information call 915-481-2646.