Black History Month Display: The Buffalo Soldiers
February is Black History Month and Jarrett Library has put up its annual display. This year the theme deals with the "Buffalo Soldiers."
The "Buffalo Soldiers" were one of the first six all African American Army regiments created by Congress in 1866. Four of the regiments were infantry and two were cavalry. Cheyenne warriors, out of respect for the fighting abilities, gave the 10th Cavalry the nickname "Buffalo Soldiers" in 1867. Eventually all African American soldiers were referred to as "Buffalo Soldiers."
The "Buffalo Soldiers" were sent to the outposts that were the furthest from civilization in areas where the weather and terrain were quite harsh. Mexican revolutionaries, outlaws, comancheros, cattle rustlers, and hostile Native Americans were just a few of the groups they were sent to subdue and/or fight. They also carried out many activities that allowed the west to be settled - mapping of the west, stringing telegraph wires and establishing outposts further and further west.
All "Buffalo Soldiers" were part of the Indian Wars while some pursued "Billy the Kid" or Pancho Villa. They were part of major fighting in the Spanish American War and during the 20th century they continued to serve in the Philippines, China and both World Wars.
For more information on the Buffalo Soldiers please visit the display located in the Heritage Court at Jarrett Library.
The "Buffalo Soldiers" were one of the first six all African American Army regiments created by Congress in 1866. Four of the regiments were infantry and two were cavalry. Cheyenne warriors, out of respect for the fighting abilities, gave the 10th Cavalry the nickname "Buffalo Soldiers" in 1867. Eventually all African American soldiers were referred to as "Buffalo Soldiers."
The "Buffalo Soldiers" were sent to the outposts that were the furthest from civilization in areas where the weather and terrain were quite harsh. Mexican revolutionaries, outlaws, comancheros, cattle rustlers, and hostile Native Americans were just a few of the groups they were sent to subdue and/or fight. They also carried out many activities that allowed the west to be settled - mapping of the west, stringing telegraph wires and establishing outposts further and further west.
All "Buffalo Soldiers" were part of the Indian Wars while some pursued "Billy the Kid" or Pancho Villa. They were part of major fighting in the Spanish American War and during the 20th century they continued to serve in the Philippines, China and both World Wars.
For more information on the Buffalo Soldiers please visit the display located in the Heritage Court at Jarrett Library.
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