So Many Places, So Little Time

Have you have tried to be at more than one place at a time?

Cover-Building the West

TPW Magazine, February 2010
If you don't have a copy of the TPW magazine, you may print a copy of Building the West: Buffalo Soldiers (PDF).

The army stationed the Buffalo Soldier regiments had many posts throughout the state.

Below is a list of some of the forts where they were stationed. With the help of your teacher or parents, use maps, books and the web to find out more facts about these forts and the Buffalo Soldiers.

Fort Stockton

Fort Stockton
Officer’s quarters

In 1859, the U.S. Army established Fort Stockton near an important source of water called Comanche Springs. This fort protected several very important roads including the Upper and Lower San Antonio Roads. The army abandoned the fort in 1861 just before the Civil War. Then in 1867, the Ninth Cavalry commanded by Edward Hatch, rebuilt the fort. This served as a major headquarters for many years. Fort Stockton continues to be an important point on a major road, highway I-10. Can you name another famous mail route that passed the fort during the 1800s?

Start researching here: http://www.tourtexas.com/fortstockton/ftstockfort.cfm

Fort McKavett

Fort McKavett
Post hospital at Fort McKavett

In 1852, the U.S. Army first built Fort McKavett after Texas became part of the United States. They built the fort on hill near the source of the San Saba River. Then in 1859, the Army closed the fort as peace soon came to the frontier. Three years after the Civil War in 1868, the U.S. Army reopened the fort and it served a major supply point for many army regiments. General William T. Sherman once called McKavett “prettiest post in Texas.” The Buffalo Soldiers served at this post for many years. One of the most famous Buffalo Soldiers who won the Medal of Honor lived here. Can you find his name?

Start researching here: http://www.thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/fort-mckavett-state-historic-site

Fort Concho

Fort Concho
Hospital at Fort Concho

In November of 1867, the U.S. Army established this fort at the point where the North Concho and the Concho Rivers met. One report in 1876 stated the fort was “a flat, treeless, dreary prairie.” By the 1870s, the fort was complete. Captain Robert Carter considered it “one of the most beautiful… posts on the on the Texas border.” Some famous commanders of Stockton included William “Pecos Bill” Shafter, Ranald Mackenzie, and Benjamin Grierson. Several units visited the fort including the Tenth U.S. Cavalry, one of the Buffalo Soldiers regiments!

Start researching here: http://fortconcho.com/

Fort Davis

Fort Davis
Officers quarters

After the California Gold Rush in 1849, the road from San Antonio to California became very important. In 1854, the U.S. Army established the post to protect the road from American Indian raids. The fort was abandoned by the Union army in 1861 before the outbreak of the Civil War. Then in 1867, the Ninth Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers commanded by Wesley Merritt began rebuilding the fort. The fort continued to be an important place to protect west Texas from American Indian attacks. Then in 1879, the Buffalo Soldiers fought a campaign against one of their most formidable opponents. Can you find the name of this brave Apache Chief?

Start researching here: http://www.nps.gov/foda/historyculture/index.htm


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