The Buffalo Soldiers

The Buffalo Soldiers

A New Army Black soldiers have a long history in the United States. During the Civil War (1861-1865), for instance, more than 170, 000 black soldiers fought for the North to end slavery in the South. After the Civil War ended in 1865, the U. S. Army formed the first peacetime regiments of black soldiers. These regiments would come to be known as the Buffalo Soldiers. Former soldiers, former slaves, and other black men joined. The army presented them with new opportunities. As former farmer Charles Creek said, " I got tired of looking mules in the face from sunrise to sunset. "

Although the Civil War ended slavery in the United States, black people still faced discrimination. It was hard for them to find work. When they did, they were often paid less than white workers or weren't paid at all. Black people often weren't allowed to live in the same places as white people. It was also hard for black people to gain an education. In 1866, the army paid black soldiers the same as white soldiers-$13 per month. Black soldiers needed to write messages and understand orders and maps. Those who couldn't were taught to read and write. The army provided them with food, clothes, shelter, work, and the chance for adventure. Most of these men were being sent to the western frontier-the Great Plains, deserts, and mountains west of the Mississippi.

The Original Buffalo Soldiers Two of the black units formed in 1866 were the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments. Many historians consider the 10th to be the original Buffalo Soldiers. Like the other black regiments, the 10th Cavalry faced many challenges. Many white soldiers and officers didn't think black soldiers should serve in the army. They gave the black soldiers old or lame horses as well as poor or damaged supplies. The food that black soldiers received was never as good as the food for white soldiers. If a white soldier stole from or hurt a black soldier, the white soldier often went free.

Despite such treatment, the 10th Cavalry and the other regiments of black soldiers continued to perform their duties. Their regiments were often praised for their work and conduct. Black soldiers were also much less likely to quit.

Out West The West was a wild place during the late 1800s. More and more settlers were moving into the area. Outlaws often stole cattle and horses. They also robbed banks as well as stagecoaches, which provided important supplies and mail to the settlers.