Fort Concho to Celebrate 154th Anniversary of Buffalo Soldier

SAN ANGELO, TX — On Tuesday, July 28th Fort Concho will celebrate the 154th anniversary of the act of Congress that created the all-black Buffalo Soldier infantry and cavalry units in 1866.

The event going on later on this month will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will feature a retreat ceremony on the fort’s Parade Ground.  Members of the fort’s living history units, including the Buffalo Soldiers program, will lower the flag and fire the site’s artillery.

“So-called by their Native American foe for their courage and hairstyle like that of the sacred buffalo, the Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 24th and 25th Infantry regiments all served at Fort Concho, comprising half of the total soldiers at the post between 1869 and 1885,” said the fort in a statement. “The famed 10th Cavalry had its headquarters at Fort Concho between 1875 and 1882, and among its officers was Lt. Henry O. Flipper, the first African American graduate of the West Point Military Academy.”

All military veterans in attendance will be recognized and honored. Cold drinks and light refreshments will be available. All visitors are asked to follow social distancing and wear face masks.