09-18 | Abilene State Park to Host Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Trail Event

Sept. 18, 2026

Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030

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Texas Historical Commission, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Launch Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Trail Website

ABILENE – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas Historical Commission have partnered to launch the Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Trail website. This website is hosted on TexasTimeTravel.com, the state’s official heritage tourism website managed by the Texas Historical Commission (THC), which features the 10 Texas Heritage Trail Program regions.

The Texas Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Trail is an effort rooted in decades of advocacy by Dr. A.C. Jackson, his late wife Gloria Jackson and the first TPWD Buffalo Soldiers Program Coordinator, Ken Pollard. Their previous work culminated into Senate Bill 1457, designating July as “Texas’ Buffalo Soldiers Month.” The Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Trail website honors the bravery, service and enduring legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers during America’s westward expansion.

“The Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Trail website is another meaningful example of the strong collaboration between TPWD and THC in highlighting the rich history of Texas,” said Rodney Franklin, Director of TPWD’s Texas state park division. “I am excited that people from across the country will now have an even greater opportunity to understand and connect with the profound impact the Buffalo Soldiers had on our state and our nation.”

To celebrate this website launch, join Texas State Parks Buffalo Soldiers Heritage and Outreach Program staff and volunteers on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Trail event at Abilene State Park.

Admission to the event is open to the public and free with the park entrance fee ($5 per person ages 13 and up; children 12 and under are free).

This free, family-friendly celebration invites visitors of all ages to explore a Buffalo Soldiers encampment, complete with immersive demonstrations of frontier-era living. Meet living history educators from across Texas, discover the skills these soldiers mastered, and learn how their contributions helped shape Texas history. You can find more information on the event, including a detailed itinerary, on the State Parks Event Page.

There is also an opportunity for a guided hike through Abilene State Park after the event. Make sure to bring water, dress for the weather and wear appropriate walking shoes if you plan on taking the guided hike.

TPWD’s Buffalo Soldiers Program shares stories through in-person programming, and now Texans will have an additional way to explore their journey with the launch of the Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Trail website. For more information on TPWD’s Buffalo Soldiers Program visit the website or contact Coy Poitier, Texas State Parks Buffalo Soldiers Program Coordinator at 512-289-5137. Events for the Buffalo Soldiers Program can be found on the State Park Events page.