Buffalo soldiers African Americans have fought in military

Buffalo soldiers

African Americans have fought in military conflicts since colonial days. However, the Buffalo Soldiers, comprised of former slaves, freemen and Black Civil War soldiers, were the first to serve during peacetime.

Official Beginnings • July 28 th, 1866, provisions were made for the Negroes to serve in the U. S. Army • Six regiments, 2 of Cavalry and 4 of infantry were authorized – The Ninth (9 th) and Tenth (10 th) U. S. Cavalry Regiments *************************** These regiments would become known as The Buffalo Soldiers

What did they do? • Guarded the mail • Escorted/guarded stage coaches, cattle drives, railroads crews and surveyors • Built roads and telegraph lines • Mapped and explored • Played a major part in building the west and making it safe for the coming westward expansion.

Role in the Indian Wars • The 9 th and 10 th conducted campaigns against Native American tribes on the western frontier extending from Montana in the NW to Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona in the SW. • During this time, approximately 20% of the U. S. Cavalry troopers were Black. • They fought in over 177 engagements during the Indian Wars.

Why “Buffalo Soldiers” ? There are several possible origins for the 9 th & 10 th cav. ’s name: • combat prowess, bravery, tenaciousness, and looks on the battlefield • name symbolized the Native Americans’ respect for the Buffalo Soldiers' bravery and valor • because of the Negro's dark and strange kinky hair was so similar to the buffalo • the Plains Indians felt that like the mighty buffalo, the Buffalo Soldiers fought ferociously to the end.

Why did they want to join the army? • the chance for social and economic betterment. (Something difficult to achieve in a society all but closed to them) • they were free, but many did not have skills to go forward or a place to go. (So many felt that the army would be a new home) • the adventure of being sent west to help tame an untamed wilderness • this could lead them to their great dream--building a new life on their own land • the prospect of learning how to read and write--they felt this would bring them closer to learning and therefore to earning the respect of the white men (knowing what the white man knew would help them survive and prosper)

What hardships did they face? • Enlisted for a minimum of 5 years • Received the basic troopers pay of thirteen dollars per month, plus quarters, meals and uniforms • Most started with uniforms and equipment that was castoff remnants of both Civil War armies • Received the crippled and sickly horses left from the Civil War. (Up until now, the cavalry had always been given the finest of horses) • Served two continuous decades on the Great Plains and in the mountains and deserts of New Mexico and Arizona • Arrived at Fort Stockton and Davis to find the forts were in disrepair and required complete rebuilding by them.

Interesting Facts: A woman, Cathay Williams, disguised herself as a man and served as a Buffalo Soldier from 1866 to 1868. At least 18 Medals of Honor were presented to Buffalo Soldiers during the Western Campaigns. (Similarly, 23 African Americans received the nation's highest military award during the Civil War. ) George Armstrong Custer turned down a command of the Buffalo Soldiers. When he was given a commission with the Buffalo Soldiers of the Ninth U. S. Cavalry, he refused to accept it. (To their good fortune). He was not the only officer to refuse a commission. Ironically, these very same Buffalo Soldiers ended up rescuing Custer and his command when he and his men were pinned down during an engagement.

Other notable history: • Buffalo Soldiers participated in many other military campaigns: – – – The Spanish American War The Philippine Insurrection The Mexican Expedition World War II The Korean Police Action • Chased bandit Pancho Villa • Fought with Teddy Roosevelt at San Juan Hill • The 9 th Cavalry was Guard of Honor for President T. Roosevelt when he visited San Francisco and the Presidio. This was the first time black cavalry soldiers served as escort for a U. S. President.

Timeline • 1862: (November) first all-black unit formed, the 1 st regiment of South Carolina Volunteers. • 1866: (July) Congress approves legislation creating six all black regiments in the U. S. army: he 9 th and 10 th cavalry, and the 38 th, 39 th, 40 th, and 41 st infantry. • 1869: the four infantry regiments consolidated into two — the 24 th and 25 th. • 1869: the 9 th and 10 th cavalry and the 24 th infantry sent to the frontier to fight in the Indian Wars. • 1871: term "Buffalo Soldier" first used. • Spanish-American war: 9 th and 10 th cavalry and 24 th and 25 th infantry sent to Cuba. Cavalry marches alongside the infantry, since horses were still at sea. The Buffalo Soldiers participate in battle of San Juan Hill, alongside future president Theodore Roosevelt. • 1899 -1909: portions of all four Buffalo Soldier regiments and two new black volunteer regiments see action in the Philippines.

Timeline Continued • 1903: Buffalo Soldiers assigned to patrol national parks in California, including Yosemite, General Grant, Sequoia and the Presidio. Captain Charles Young, the third black West Point graduate, was named Acting Superintendent of Sequoia National Park. The Buffalo Soldiers continue to patrol the parks until the National Park Service was created in 1916. • 1915: participate in America's punitive expedition into Mexico in pursuit of Pancho Villa. • 1950 s: the U. S. army integrates, ending the glorious tradition and service of the Buffalo Soldiers.