Tenth Cavalry

Following the Civil War, the United States Congress authorized the creation of six regiments of black U.S. Army troops. The Tenth Cavalry was organized in 1867 under the leadership of Col. Benjamin Grierson (1826-1911). The order creating black troops also specified that they would be commanded by white officers. Facing problems of racial discrimination at the regiment's headquarters in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Grierson wanted the Tenth Cavalry reassigned to the West, and they arrived at Fort Concho in the Spring of 1875. The contributions of the men of the Tenth Cavalry to the settlement of the American West are of major importance. They took part in grueling scouting and mapping expeditions and campaigns against hostile Indians, often facing days without proper supplies or water on the high plains. They were instrumental in the defeat of the Mescalero Apache Indians led by Chief Victorio in 1880. The men of the Tenth Cavalry were stationed at Fort Concho until 1882, when they were moved to Fort Davis. Transferred frequently after 1885, members of the unit eventually served throughout the world, including Cuba, North Africa, Germany, Korea, and Vietnam. (1987)

Tenth Cavalry is a historical marker in San Angelo, Tom Green County, dedicated in 1987. It is one of 43 historical markers documented in Tom Green County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 126 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.4562, -100.4313 near San Angelo. The nearest cataloged historic site is Fort Concho (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Fort Concho Officers Quarters No. 2, Municipal Swimming Pool, and House at 123 Allen.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5451005227. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.