The Truth About The Buffalo Soldiers

On July 28, 1866, Congress created six regiments of black soldiers -- the 9th and 10th Cavalry, and four infantry regiments (later combined into two) -- and assigned them white officers. Many of these African-American troopers were sent to the Texas frontier between 1867 and the close of the 19th century, where the Native Americans dubbed them "Buffalo Soldiers" due to their curly hair and brown skin color. The name was intended as one of respect, and the soldiers accepted it on that basis. These black soldiers came from everywhere, and included many Civil War veterans. There were ex-slaves and free men, the educated and the illiterate, skilled artisans and unskilled laborers, farmers and urbanites. One of the myths regarding black soldiers out west was that they routinely received equipment far inferior to that used by their white counterparts. The truth of the matter is that all soldiers after the Civil War received the same uniforms and equipment. When the war ended, the army had thousands of uniforms in storage, so the bean counters in Washington (pressured by a Congress in favor of reducing military expenditures) opted not to replenish the supply until the existing stock was exhausted. The typical cavalry soldier on the post-war Texas frontier used Civil War surplus uniforms and equipment. His uniform consisted of a 13-button navy blue shell jacket with yellow piping, or a plain four-button blue sack coat, along with sky blue wool trousers with reinforced seat, and knee-high boots or ankle-height shoes called brogans. His headgear was either a forage cap with a floppy crown and short bill or a campaign hat, essentially a broad-brimmed hat in one of various styles, in black, brown, or gray. The supplies on hand were usually substandard due to unscrupulous contractors who produced shoddy and undersized uniforms to save money. Though ill-fitting and inferior, these uniforms were issued to the soldiers on the frontier, both black and white. Fortunately, there were many skilled tailors among the ranks who could make the proper alterations. Blacks joined the army for the same reasons that anyone else did: income, adventure, travel, clothing, square meals, and meaningful responsibility. Employment for anyone was not easy to come by in the 19th century, especially after the Civil War. There was no unemployment insurance or job placement service. The army gave men a viable option: steady work and steady pay, plus food and lodging.

The army was looking for experienced men to fill the ranks, and black Civil War veterans topped the list. Early on, most enlisted men in leadership roles (the sergeants and corporals) had served in the Union Army during the war; could read, write, and figure; and were well versed in the ways of military life. Buffalo Soldiers were stationed throughout the southern plains and Southwest, a priority area for expansion. The army's primary jobs were to patrol and explore the territory; build roads, forts, and telegraph lines; guard major transportation routes and railroad construction crews; and provide escorts for cattle drives and mail coaches. Soldiers also served as the federal police force, apprehending horse and cattle thieves, escorting prisoners to and from courts of jurisdiction, and enforcing the terms of Indian treaties. The army basically established the infrastructure needed to sustain a government presence and a civilian population. Although army regiments were officially segregated throughout the 1800s, Buffalo Soldiers and their white counterparts fought side by side in many engagements with Indians and outlaws. A typical expedition might have used companies or detachments from both white and black regiments placed together under one command. It was not uncommon, for example, for companies from the black 9th Cavalry and the white 4th Cavalry, along with Indian, Mexican, black, or white scouts and interpreters, to ride, camp, and fight together as a single unit.Segregation and racism existed on the frontier and the army was not immune to it. Black soldiers experienced both discrimination and praise from their white counterparts, superior officers, and the various civilians they encountered. Many original accounts and official documents detail how black soldiers were mistreated as well as how many were revered and respected. In spite of all challenges, the Buffalo Soldiers performed well on the frontier and left a proud American legacy. Their desertion rates were the lowest and their reenlistment rates were the highest in the army. They were awarded no fewer than 20 Congressional Medals of Honor during the Indian Wars period in the service of their country.