Attractions

One of the best preserved frontier military posts west of the Mississippi, this National Historic Landmark consists of 23 original and restored buildings on 40 acres near downtown.

Established in 1867 as pivot post on frontier line replacing Fort Chadbourne (see BRONTE). Most stone structures were built with pecan-wood beams and rafters by skilled German craftsmen from Fredericksburg.

Frontier troops protected stagecoaches and wagon trains, escorted U.S. mail runs, explored and mapped new territory and occasionally clashed with area Comanche and Apache tribes. Many well-known infantry and cavalry officers commanded the fort, including Col. Ranald S. Mackenzie, Col. William R. Shafter and Col. Benjamin H. Grierson. Both black and white troops took part in the campaigns, and the post was also the headquarters of the famed "Buffalo Soldiers" of the U.S. 10th Calvary Regiment.

By the late 1800s, the railroad had arrived in West Texas, and the military's protection was no longer necessary. In a sentimental ceremony, on June 20, 1889, one small remaining company of the 19th Infantry took down the flag at evening retreat and left for San Antonio the next day.

All buildings have been restored to their original appearance; up to 10 structures have either period interiors or displays to see. Regular and changing exhibits cover military history, the heritage of San Angelo and West Texas and the daily life of a soldier and officer. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tue.–Sat. and 1–5 p.m. Sun., closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's. Admission charge. 630 S. Oakes St. Fort is just east of S. Oakes Street, between Avenues C and D. 325/481-2646. www.fortconcho.com.

E. H. Danner Museum of Telephony — Models of telephones from Alexander Graham Bell's "Gallows Frame Phone" (only five ever built) through wooden phones and push-button phones of the 1880s to present models. In Officers' Quarters No. 4.

Robert Wood Johnson Museum of Frontier Medicine — Features instruments, medicines, surgical kits, hospital furniture and other items of a typical 19th-century frontier hospital; some items are on loan from the Johnson & Johnson collection. Also on display are items related to San Angelo's medical history. In North Ward of Post Hospital.