Established in 1867, Fort Concho was built along the Concho River in San Angelo, Texas, to protect frontier settlements and quell hostile threats in the area, as well as to map and patrol West Texas. Comprised of at least forty buildings built from native limestone, the fort covers over 1,600 acres. At full strength, the fort supported 400 to 500 military and support staff. It remained an active outpost until 1889 when the last soldiers walked away from its walls. Fort Concho stands among the best-preserved posts of its era west of the Mississippi. The fort, operated by the City of San Angelo, has period interiors, special displays, ongoing events and programs, living history, and children's events.