History of the Buffalo Soldier

History Of the Buffalo Soldier

The First Buffalo Soldiers

Origins and Honors of the Buffalo Soldiers

Prejudice

Monument and Conclusion

The History of the Buffalo Soldier

Buffalo soldier, dreadlock rasta:

There was a buffalo soldier in the heart of america,

Stolen from africa, brought to america,

Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival.

I mean it, when I analyze the stench

To me it makes a lot of sense:

How the dreadlock rasta was the buffalo soldier,

And he was taken from africa, brought to america,

Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival.

"Buffalo Soldier," Marley/Sporty

The Buffalo Soldiers may be best known in modern popular culture because of the song "Buffalo Soldier" by Bob Marley and King Sporty. Unfortunately, even though masses of people can sing along to this reggae classic, few people understand the deep significance of this song as a celebration of overcoming racial boundaries in the United States. The title "Buffalo Soldier" was not chosen for its snazzy rhythm, nor was the choice enduced by a foggy marijuana-enduced joke. In fact, the Buffalo Soldiers were heroic role models that have been held in very high esteem for more than a century by Black Americans, Jamaicans, and other peoples of African descent.

The name Buffalo Soldiers first developed as a nickname for the 10th Cavalry in the United States Army, which was formed on September 21, 1866 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The 10th Cavalry was unique because it was formed of only Black soldiers. Eventually, this title would be applied to other all-Black regiments, such as the 9th Cavalry, as well as the 24th and 25th Infantry. These were the first all-Black regiments in the United States and an important advance allowing Blacks to excel in a field that was historically dominated by Whites. This nickname was given to them because of the similarities between the Black soldiers and the Buffalo. "The nickname is believed to be a reference to either their hair, said to resemble the mane of the buffalo, or more general attributes of the buffalo, such as ferocity, strength, and stamina." (Wikipedia) While this may strike some people as an offensive nickname attempting to reduce Black people to the status of animals, it is important to recall that the Buffalo were held in the highest esteem by the native cultures of America. Buffalos were akin to gods, and honored and admired as noble and brilliant beings.

The Buffalo Soldiers were originally the United States Colored Troops, which were regiments during the Civil War that had all Black soldiers, but White officers. After the war, they were reorganized into the 9th and 10th United States Calvary and two regiments of infantry. One exception to the rule that White officers would command these soldiers is Henry O. Flipper. These troops participated in all military actions. In fact, they performed so well that thirteen enlisted Buffalo Soldiers and four of their officers earned the Metal of Honor during the Indian Wars. "During the Indian Wars campaign from 1866 to 1892, First Sergeant Emanuel Stance of the 9th Cavalry, stationed at Fort McKavett, Texas, was the first African-American to receive the Medal of Honor in the Indian Wars. By the close of the Indian Wars, there would be ten more Medals of Honor awarded to Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th Cavalry." (Texas Parks & Wildlife) They also participated in the Spanish-American War, where the Buffalo Soldiers earned five more Metals of Honor. They additionally did public works such as building roads and carrying mail.

The Buffalo Soldiers earned high esteem despite the prejudice they encountered. Other soldiers and civilians alike would treat them differently, often making rude comments or even becoming violent. "Elements of the 'Buffalo Soldiers' were involved in racial disturbances in Rio Grande City, Texas in 1899, Brownsville, Texas in 1906, and at Houston, Texas in 1917." (Wikipedia) During the 1900s, despite their honored history, the Buffalo Soldiers found themselves being treated more like laborers and servants than like soldiers. Partial remnants of the Buffalo Soldiers served during World War II and the Korean War.