Celebrate Buffalo Soldiers Day and Learn Treasured AZ History

You can't tell the story of Arizona without the history of the Buffalo Soldiers and the impact these men had on the West and the US military.

According to History.com, "The origin of the Buffalo Soldiers dates back to 1866 when Congress passed the Army Organization Act, which authorized the creation of six all-Black cavalry and infantry regiments."

Buffalo Soldiers of Company D, 8th Illinois Volunteer Regiment, Circa 1899. The Everett Collection via Canva.

The Black Calvary and Infantry Regiments

Wikipedia.com reports that these regiments encompassed the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments and the 24th, 25th, 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st Infantry Regiments.

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The 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st were eventually consolidated into the 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments. They were composed of former slaves, freedmen, and Civil War veterans who volunteered to serve in the United States Army.

Buffalo Soldiers at the Fort Huachuca Cavalry Stables circa 1928. Courtesy The Everett Collection via Canva.

The black soldiers served on the Western Frontier after the Civil War, fighting in many battles and campaigns, including the Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War, and the Philippine-American War.

They also helped build roads, protect national parks, and escort settlers and mail carriers throughout the West.

Where Did the Name Buffalo Soldier Come From?

The term buffalo soldiers was given to the black soldiers by Native Americans, who were impressed by the courage, tenacity, and fighting spirit of these men.

Native American first bestowed the name "Buffalo Soldiers" on the black army regiments. Photo courtesy The Everett Collection via Canva.

While the soldiers faced discrimination and prejudice, they persevered and earned respect and recognition for their service and valor.

Celebrating National Buffalo Soldier Day

In 1992, Congress passed the law to designate July 28th as Buffalo Soldiers Day.

According to the US Army website, "Buffalo Soldiers Day is July 28, commemorating the formation of the first Army regiments comprised of African American Soldiers."

Soldiers. Canva

National Buffalo Soldiers Day is celebrated as a day that honors and celebrates the contributions of the African American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army after the Civil War.

Keeping history alive! Members of the Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers line up for a parade in Sierra Vista. Photo// Val Davidson/TSM

Celebrating National Buffalo Soldiers Day in Arizona

Much of the history of the Buffalo Soldier can be traced to Fort Huachuca. If you'd like to learn more about the history of the Buffalo Soldiers in Arizona, celebrate National Buffalo Soldier Day.

Schedule of Events. Poster courtesy US Army.

For more information, contact the USAICoE Command History office at (520) 533-5121 or email TR-ICoE-Command-Historian@army.mil

Celebrate National Buffalo Soldiers Day Ceremony at 10 am at Fitch Auditorium in Alvardo Hall on Fort Huachuca on July 28.

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