Fort Concho is one of the best-preserved frontier military posts in the American West — a National Historic Landmark with 23 original stone buildings still standing on the south bank of the Concho River. The fort was established in 1867 to protect settlers and mail routes across West Texas, and it remained active until 1889. The sturdy limestone construction, quarried locally, gave the buildings a permanence that most wooden frontier forts lacked.
Today the fort operates as a museum. You can walk through the restored barracks, the commanding officer's quarters, the stables, and the hospital, all furnished to period. The exhibits cover the full history of the post, with particular attention to the Buffalo Soldiers who garrisoned it. Allow at least two hours. The grounds are free to walk; the museum has a small admission charge.