Buffalo Soldier Memorial Program at Fort Concho Set for February 25

SAN ANGELO, TX - Fort Concho Site Manager, Bob Bluthardt, announced an upcoming program to celebrate African American Heritage Month with a focus on the Buffalo Soldiers, the black troops of the Western frontier.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, February 25, from 2 to 4 p.m., beginning at the new NAACP Buffalo Soldier Memorial, located just across the street from Fort Concho, weather permitting.

The program will kick off with a book signing by Jim Matthews, an Austin-based author known for his work on the 10th Cavalry. 

The book signing will take place at the memorial site, followed by a potential reception inside barracks one, where the recently inaugurated Buffalo Soldier exhibit is housed.

Bluthardt emphasized that the event is free for attendees, offering snacks, coffee, and an opportunity to explore the new exhibit. 

"It's a good way if you haven't seen the Buffalo Soldier Memorial, a great opportunity with plenty of nearby parking in the Paseo area," he said, highlighting the hundreds of available spaces. "One of our consultants, who's seen maybe three or four dozen of these kinds of memorials across the country, said it's the best one he's ever seen. I think the reason for that is it's effective. It's a teachable place."

The memorial features ten granite sculptures, each telling a unique story accompanied by graphics and maps. Bluthardt said that the memorial serves as an educational tool, making it an excellent opportunity for those unfamiliar with the Buffalo Soldiers to learn about their history.

"It's got benches, and there'll be more trees and shade put in. I think over time, it's going to become a very attractive aspect of our tourism in the city," he said. 

As the Fort Concho team gears up for this event, they invite the community to join them in commemorating African American Heritage Month and honoring the Buffalo Soldiers' legacy on February 25th.