Reenactments On the Concho River

One of the things San Angelo is famous for is the restoration of Ft. Concho, the museum and the reenactments held there around Christmas.  I am such a fan of history, and particularly the era of Ft. Concho's glory is interesting to me.  Ft. Concho was established on the banks of the Concho River in 1867.  In West Texas, where there is water, there is life, and our beautiful river drew the 4th Calvary to the site because of the water source and the junction of the Butterfield Trail, the Road to San Antonio, and the famous Goodnight Trail.  Ft. Concho was tasked with the protection of settlers, and the endeavors of the state of Texas, which had joined the union in 1845.  Travelers by wagon train, horse back, and stage coach received protection from bandits, Comanches, and the infamous Comancheros. 

In Texas 1600 acres isn't all that big, but that is how large Ft. Concho eventually grew to.  At first only several buildings dotted the fort, but the fort remained under constant construction all the way to its' decommissioning  A chapel, hospital, two barracks, quartermaster storehouse, commissary all rose in sandstone.  Before its' deactivation there were more than 40 buildings.


Many famous names of history are associated Ft. Concho, such as Colonel Ranald Mackenzie, and his troops.  You will recognize the monomer "Mackenzie's Raiders."  who most famously conducted raids against the Comanches, and in one famous encounter killed 23 warriors and took prisoner over 120 women and children.  These people were held at Ft. Concho until the following spring when they were transferred to a reservation near Ft. Sill Oklahoma.

By the time the railroad arrived in the late 1880's Mackenzie's Raiders had conducted many more raids and battles with the hostile Indians, whom they had killed or captured and moved to reservations.  In 1889, the remaining Soldiers were moved to San Antonio, as the state had been made safe from hostile Indians, and local law enforcement took over the protection.

By 1935 the city of San Angelo had purchased the ruins of Ft. Concho, and history has been preserved.  In 1961 Ft. Concho was designated a National Historic Landmark.  and the site has become the home of many reenactment events.  

We so enjoyed our first visit to Ft. Concho, and the Christmas on the Concho reenactment!  Here are some of my images.  Don't miss the next event, you will so enjoy yourself!  You will feel like you have stepped back in time...