Fort Concho

     Fort Concho has been high on our list of places to visit ever since we came to San Angelo and last week we finally did it! Established in December of 1867, Fort Concho was built to protect frontier settlements, patrol and map the vast West Texas region, and quell hostile threats in the area. Constructed mostly of limestone, the Fort consisted of at least 40 buildings and covered 1600 acres. A number of Infantry and Cavalry units were stationed at the post during its active period. At full strength, Fort Concho supported 350-400 men. Most were regiments of Buffalo Soldiers that requested to be sent to the frontier due to racial issues they encountered in the East. After 22 years the fort's role in settling the Texas frontier was over and the fort was deactivated. Today it is a National Historic Landmark that encompasses most of the former army post and includes 23 original and restored fort structures.

The Bible the Chaplin used for the daily readings.

Mrs. Crawford, founder of the Museum

It was eerily quiet when we visited and so easy to imagine boots stomping down these porches!

Artillery

Supply wagon

The men's barracks

The chuck wagon. My kitchen is huge after all!

Well's Fargo stagecoach

There was a row of Memorials

Courtroom

Drum set from the band

The hospital

Hey, a big improvement from an outhouse!

The bathrub

Medication

The hospital ward

The church and school

Inside the school

There was a row  of houses for the Officers and their families.

One house was a Museum of Telephony. It was really neat to see all the old phones!

Looking at the barracks from the officiers quarters.

Ethan wanted to be in the picture :)

I love the front porches!

The flagpole in the middle of the grounds

These 4 did so good and all had a blast!

     We only had about 2 hours before they closed so we had to rush a little but it was a great experience! I wouldn't be at all surprised if we go back. We were also able to walk back to the stables and see the mules. Everything was very well kept and interesting! I was amazed how interested the children were with everything! This is how we teach History, instead of a textbook :).