Buffalo Soldier
Definition via Wikipedia: “Buffalo Soldiers originally were members of the U.S. 10th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army, formed on September 21, 1866 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. This nickname was given to the “Negro Cavalry” by the Native American tribes they fought; the term eventually became synonymous with all of the African-American regiments formed in 1866.”
Buffalo Soldiers Balimore, MD Chapter – http://baltimorebuffalosoldiers.org/
“Nearly sixteen months after the end of the Civil War … authorized the formation of the two regiments of cavalry composed of “colored” men.
“For over two decades, the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments conducted campaigns against American Indian tribes on a western frontier that extended from Montana in the Northwest to Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona in the Southwest. They engaged in several skirmishes against such great Indian Chiefs as Victorio, Geronimo, and Nan.”Buffalo Soldiers” was the name given the black cavalrymen by the plains indians.”
When not engaged in combat with Native Americans, both regiments built forts and roads, installed telegraph lines, located water holes, escorted wagon trains and cattle drives, rode “shotgun” on stagecoach and mail runs and protected settlers from renegade Indians, outlaws, and Mexican revolutionaries. Elements of both regiments fought in Cuba during the War with Spain and participated in the famous charge on San Juan Hill. Troopers of the 10th Cavalry Regiments rode with General John J. Pershing during the punitive Expedition in Mexico in search of the outlaw Pancho Villa.
In 1941, the two regiments formed the 4th Cavalry Brigade, commanded by General Benjamin O. Davis Sr., at camp Funston, Kansas. In 1944, the end came to the cavalry regiments and the curtain was lowered on the long and glorious past of the “Buffalo Soldiers”. The 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association traces its beginning to the year 1966 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Baltimore Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers Association hosted the 132nd Anniversary Reunion in Baltimore last July 27th thru August 2nd of 1998.”
I thought it was going to be difficult to find much on the Buffalo Soldiers. I was gunned down fast. There is so much: photos. books, statues, movies, songs, paintings, websites, blogs, etc … that I couldn’t possibly include it all in one post. And though it is stated that the Buffalo Soldier was once a neglected part of American history, the current homage and heritage of the Buffalo Soldiers is substantial and intact.
Lets’ start with the romantic vision/version:
Below are a few of the many images of the Buffalo Soldiers by famous great Western artist Frederick Remington.
Charge !
Coming up …
Black Cowboy … The Buffalo Soldiers: The Romance: Part 2
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Came across this website and in particular the Remington painting of Captain Francis Dodge to the rescue of 6th Calvary under siege by the Ute Indians at the Battle of Milk Creek in 1879. So happens, my Great great grandfather, James Valantine Seaman Paddock was in that battle and severely wounded. If it hadn’t been for the bravery of the 9th Calvary and the fearlessness of the Buffalo Soldiers, Lt. Paddock would have surly perished. – Richard G. Paddock. Rpadd2011@gmail.com
Thank You Sir. Greatly appreciate your comment and the information. These were proud and brave soldiers who served their Country and deserve the recognition you offer.
There are only a few movies, but there is much written. Many books, paintings. And of course, folklore. Thank you. A great post!
Thank you.
The lack of movies is telling. There is some documentary work though.
I’m going to put up some excellent photos right away – and some of those photos speak volumes.