Camp Elizabeth, Sterling County, Texas: An archaeological and archival investigation of a U.S. Army subpost, and evidence supporting its use by the military and "Buffalo Soldiers"

The Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) of The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) engaged in a two-phase contract with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to complete archaeological and archival investigations of the Camp at the Head of the North Concho (41ST111). The camp, known locally as Camp Elizabeth, was a military outpost of Fort Concho in San Angelo, Texas, and is now located approximately nine miles northwest of Sterling City along V.S. Highway 87. The camp lies within the right-of-way along U.S. 87 that will be impacted by a highway improvement project. CAR's archaeological and archival investigations confirmed the presence of the former military occupation of the camp during the late-nineteenth century. No evidence supporting a legendary presence of the Texas Rangers at Camp Elizabeth was found. Archival evidence that the Buffalo Soldiers, African-American troops, were stationed at Camp Elizabeth is presented. Archaeological excavations identified numerous features, including a farrier's shop.