Texas 1870s Cow Camp
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In 1870 a young Texas cattleman named George W. West contracted with the U.S. government to deliver 14,000 head of longhorn cattle to the Rosebud Indian Reservation in Northern Montana Territory. West and his crew gathered the cattle and drove them from Lavaca County, Texas, to the Reservation just 100 miles south of the Canadian border. This was the longest recorded cattle drive of the trail drive era, covering some 1500 miles. At the time, George West was 19 years old.
West went on to become one of the prominent cattlemen in the state and built a large ranch in Live Oak County. He also founded the town which bears his name. Until the trail driving era ended, West personally drove cattle up the trail or sent cattle bearing his brand.
On November 6th, 2010, at Storyfest, the Society of Historical Interpreters of Texas will present a typical South Texas cow camp of the 1870’s. The hands will be gathered around their chuck wagon, preparing their gear and getting ready to “point ‘em north.” In addition to the reenactors, the group will exhibit cowboy gear and display historical information. |
The Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers Association
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Come see America's own BUFFALO SOLDIERS in their period uniforms & encampment w/artifacts. Listen to their history.
The Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers Association was organized San Antonio, Texas, on August 13, 1999, to educate the public of the American history involving the great contribution given by America’s Buffalo Soldiers (9th & 10th U.S. Cavalry / 24th & 25th U.S. Infantry) starting in 1866 and into the Korean War in 1950 and, in turn, use that positive history to mentor youth involved with their school, church, clubs, and scout programs. We conduct an annual Youth Camp for 8 to 12 year old boys at one of the Texas Parks & Wildlife parks. For the last seven years we have averaged over a 100 presentations a year at schools, churches, colleges, senior book clubs, military installations, Texas Forts and living history festivals. We have been recruited by the Texas Parks & Wildlife to assist in their “Soldiers in Blue “ Buffalo Soldiers Programs.
In light of the fact that San Antonio was the initial training site for the 9th Cavalry after their recruitment in Louisiana and that the Buffalo Soldiers burial site with the “Tomb of the Unknown”is located within the San Antonio National Cemetery (not to be confused with Ft .Sam National cemetery) San Antonio made the ideal location for such an organization. |
