The Nickname -
There are several theories and sources for where the name originated:
- the nickname was given out of respect and the fierce fighting ability of the 10th cavalry
- Native Americans called the black cavalry troops "buffalo soldiers" because of their dark curly hair, which resembled a buffalo's coat
- a combination of both legends
Regardless of how the name originated, the term Buffalo Soldiers became a generic term for all African American soldiers. It is now used in reference to U.S. Army units which trace their direct lineage back to the 9th and 10th cavalry units whose bravery earned them an honored place in U.S. history.
History
During the American Civil War, the U.S. government formed regiments known as the United States Colored Troops, composed of black soldiers led by white officers.
After the war the Congress reorganized the Army, authorizing the formation of two regiments of black cavalry with the designations 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry, and four regiments of black infantry, designated the 38th, 39th, 40th and 41st Infantry Regiments (Colored). The 38th' and 41st were reorganized as the 25th Infantry Regiment, with headquarters in Jackson Barracks in New Orleans, in November 1869. The 39th and 40th were reorganized as the 24th Infantry Regiment, with headquarters at Fort Clark, Texas, in April 1869. All of these units were composed of black enlisted men commanded by white officers such as Benjamin Grierson, Ranald S. Mackenzie and, occasionally, black officers such as Henry O. Flipper.
From 1866 to the early 1890s these regiments served at a variety of posts in the Southwest and Great Plains. They participated in most of the military campaigns in these areas and earned a distinguished record. In addition to the military campaigns, the "Buffalo Soldiers" served a variety of roles along the frontier from building roads to escorting the U.S. mail.
The regiments continued to serve after the Indian Wars ended in the 1890s until 1951. The 24th Infantry Regiment saw combat during the Korean War and was the last segregated regiment to engage in combat. The 24th was deactivated in 1951 and its soldiers were integrated into other units in Korea. On December 12, 1951, the last Buffalo soldier units, the 27th Cavalry and the 28th (Horse) Cavalry were disbanded (although, the 28th Cavalry was inactivated at Assi-Okba, Algeria in April of 1944 in North Africa and marked the end of the regiment).
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum opened in Houston, Texas in 2000. The museum is located in the historic 3rd Ward, in the museum district, and is dedicated to the brave men and women of color who courageously served in every great American war and military campaign. (Houston is within the Texas Independence Trail Region.)