Five Facts You Need to Know about the Buffalo Soldiers

1. In 1866, through an act of Congress, legislation was adopted to create six all African-American Army units. The units were identified as the 9^th and 10^th Cavalry and the 38^th, 39^th, 40^th, and 41^st Infantry regiments. The four infantry regiments were later reorganized to form the 24^th and 25^th Infantry regiments.

2. These fighting men represented the first Black professional soldiers in a peacetime army. The recruits came from varied backgrounds including former slaves and veterans from service in the Civil War.

3. The nickname Buffalo Soldiers began with Cheyenne warriors in 1867. The actual Cheyenne translation was Wild Buffalo. The nickname was given out of respect for the fierce fighting ability of the 10^th U.S. Cavalry.

4. Over time, Buffalo Soldiers became a generic term for all African-American soldiers serving in the 9^th and 10^th U.S. Cavalry and the 24^th and 25^th U.S. Infantry Regiments.

5. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Buffalo Soldiers were assigned to the harshest and most desolate posts. Specific duties included subduing Mexican revolutionaries, outlaws, rustlers and warring Native Americans. Additional administrative duties included exploring and mapping the Southwest and establishing outposts for future towns.

The Buffalos Soldiers National Museum will celebrate the 150^th Anniversary of the Buffalo Soldiers in Houston Texas from July 28 – July 30. For more information, visit www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com.

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum relies on supporters to keep its doors open. Two ways the community can help include:

1. 1. Become a member. Museum membership ranges from $35 for students and seniors to $50,000 for its highest level of corporate membership. The most popular membership is $45 for individuals, which includes unlimited free museum admission for one year, discounts on gift store merchandise and museum rentals, invitations to special events and a quarterly newsletter subscription.

2. Buy a brick. The museum’s “Leave-A-Legacy…Buy-A-Brick” Paver Program allows donors to create a lasting memory by purchasing a one-of-a-kind engraved brick permanently displayed on the museum’s Soldiers Plaza. Bricks start at $175 and can honor a veteran, promote a business, surprise a friend, cheer an alma mater or commemorate a special date or event. For information, call 713-942-8920.