Tom Green County
In the midst of West Texas ranching country and at the center of the Concho Valley lies Tom Green County, and at its heart, a virtual oasis known as San Angelo. San Angelo’s spirit of hospitality is superb. The friendliness and caring nature of the community reflect a foundation of pioneer heritage.
San Angelo’s downtown area makes for a very entertaining visit. The San Angelo Visitors Center is located on the banks of the Concho River right in the center of downtown. Its unusual architecture features a copper roof and native limestone walls, a character element of many of our historic and contemporary buildings.
Around every downtown corner, you will find more enticing and delectable treasures, many historic buildings and, most of all, friendly people.
One of the most unique structures of our downtown is Fort Concho, one of the best-preserved forts in the nation. Founded in 1867 as a frontier outpost to protect early West Texas settlers, Fort Concho is the reason San Angelo exists today. Periodically, living history demonstrations are held at the fort, with soldiers in authentic uniforms conducting exercises on the parade grounds. The fort is home to the famous Buffalo Soldiers and celebrates their contribution to the settling of the West.
Tying the Fort Concho area to downtown is the El Paseo de Santa Angela. The El Paseo is an area of paved walkways that lead from Fort Concho past the depot area, the beautiful and architecturally significant San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, and the riverside amphitheater. Continuing across the Celebration Bridge and into downtown leads you to Concho Avenue, which was the first street in San Angelo. The avenue shares simple charm with delightful country collectibles and memorabilia along with Miss Hattie’s Bordello, which is the “Best Little Museum in Texas.” The Texas Rangers closed Miss Hattie’s in the 1940s. Located on historic Concho Street, Miss Hattie’s remains decorated in much of its original furnishings.
Tom Green County is home to Angelo State University, one of the finest small universities in the nation, and to three lakes that offer the entire range of water sports and fishing. There are numerous county parks with facilities from simple picnicking areas to RV hookups. Most of our parks are located along our many rivers.
Whether browsing through antique malls or designer fashion stores, having lunch at a tavern, enjoying music at the watering hole or reliving history, you are guaranteed a wonderful time.
County Judge Mike Brown