The Blanco River in the Texas Hill Country felt the presence of the Buffalo Soldiers after the Civil War. While battles happened further west, soldiers here patrolled important routes, protected mail and supply lines, and helped keep the peace in the area, allowing Hill Country towns to grow. Today you can enjoy the river's calm beauty at Blanco State Park, a tranquility partly owed to the soldiers who once watched over this developing region. Plan a picnic, afternoon swim, fishing trip, or a weekend campout on the banks of the spring-fed river.