Fort Concho, established in 1867 on the banks of the Concho River, served as regimental headquarters for some of the most recognized frontier units in Texas history, including the 10th Cavalry, better known as the Buffalo Soldiers. Fort Concho soldiers patrolled the Texas frontier for almost twenty-two years, providing the nearby community of San Angelo a chance to grow and prosper without fear or reprisals from the region’s Native American resistance. During its heyday, the Fort supported up to five hundred men comprising infantry, cavalry troops, officers, and supporting personnel. Despite its closure in 1889, surviving structures include twenty-three original buildings, now restored and preserved as a National Historic Landmark. Barracks, headquarters, the hospital, and officer residences serve as museum, exhibit halls, offices, visitor center, and archives for much of the surviving artifacts related to Fort occupation. In addition, the landmark Fort hosts a re-creation of Company A of the 10th Cavalry, the infamous Buffalo Soldier regiment comprised entirely of African American enlisted men. Reenactments, performed by volunteers, include uniforms and procedures accurate to the period. The Fort also sponsors a lively calendar of festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including Buffalo Soldier Heritage Day and Fort Concho Frontier Day.