Buffalo Soldiers: Legendary African-American Army

Today in Black History, let’s shine the spotlight on the legendary African-American Army known as the Buffalo Soldiers.

The army was made up of African-Americans, many Civil War Veterans and former slaves. 

The nickname, “Buffalo Soldiers” was initially used to describe troopers of the Tenth Cavalry, but the Ninth soon adopted the name as well. 

One theory is that Native Americans bestowed this nickname to Black troopers because they believed the hair of the Black cavalrymen resembled the hair of the buffalo, and the buffalo-hide coats worn by the soldiers in cold weather. 

The troopers took the nickname as a sign of respect from Native Americans, who held great reverence for the buffalo.

The Buffalo Soldiers were often confronted with racial prejudice from other members of the U.S. Army. 

Civilians in the area where the soldiers were stationed occasionally reacted to them with violence. Buffalo Soldiers were attacked during racial disturbances in Rio Grande City, Texas, in 1899, Brownsville, Texas, in 1906, and Houston, Texas, in 1917.

During the Spanish–American War, the 9th Cavalry faced violent conflict with white citizens in multiple cities in Florida including Lakeland and Tampa.

Although the Buffalo Soldiers were 12% of the U.S. Army infantry force and 20% of the cavalry force in this era, Buffalo Soldiers were awarded less than 4% of all Medals of Honor awarded. 

The U.S. Army and its Buffalo Soldiers were among the first protectors of what would eventually become National Parks. Their work in conservation also made a huge impact in preserving public lands, setting the foundation for roles of park rangers.

On September 6, 2005, Mark Matthews, the oldest living Buffalo Soldier, died at the age of 111. 

Words by Anaverde Magazine