History

Buffalo Soldiers

African American men have served in every war that involved the United States, even as colonies of Great Britain. However, it was not until the United States Congress passed an Act in July, 1866 that African American men could enlist in the army during peacetime. That Act established that 4 infantry and 2 cavalry units would be designated for African Americans/black/colored men led by white officers. Eventually, 3 black officers would graduate from West Point Military Academy to command these Buffalo Soldiers. Some say the Plains Indians named the black soldiers, others say the Comanche called them Buffalo Soldiers. A buffalo was held in great reverence in the Native American way of life. It was said the hair of the black soldier reminded those tribes of the mane of a buffalo. Or was it the heavy coats made of buffalo hides the black soldiers wore to protect them from the harsh winter weather. And still others say it was the way the black soldier charged into battle with his head bowed and his saber held high, fought ferociously until his death. It was a metaphor of the great buffalo fighting to his death when being hunted. The black soldiers embraced the name and the rest is a history that has not been properly shared. Not only did the Buffalo Soldiers fight during the Indian Wars (west of the Mississippi River) starting in 1870.but they patrolled and protected the Pony Express, stagecoach trails, railroad workers and settlers from bandits, horse thieves, cattle rustlers and robbers. Later the Buffalo Soldiers protected our national parks . The Buffalo Soldiers were on San Juan Hill, Cuba in the Spanish –American War. They were in Europe, the Phillipines in WW II. They were distinguished units of military might who gave all for $13 a month pay. That rich history with such powerful legacy is just now getting told.