Buffalo_Soldiers

Buffalo Soldiers The Buffalo Soldier Story It was this new sense of patriotism, linked with optimism for social and economic betterment that led many blacks to enlist in the post-Civil War Army. Black troops had served in every war including the American Revolution. However, it was not until July of 1866 that blacks were permitted to enlist in the Regular Army. The new legislation provided for the creation of two cavalry and four infantry regiments which "shall be composed of colored men." In 1869, the four infantry units were consolidated into two. Nearly sixteen months after the end of the Civil War, Section 3 of the Act of Congress entitled "An Act to increase and fix the Military Peace Establishment of the United States" authorized the formation of the two regiments of cavalry composed of "colored" men. The Act was approved on 28 July 1866. On September 21, 1866, the 9th Cavalry Regiment was activated at Greenville, Louisiana and the 10th Cavalry Regiment was activated at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Under the competent leadership of Colonels Edward Hatch and Benjamin Grierson, first Regimental Commanders of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments, respectively, both regiments were trained and equipped and began a long and proud history. The troop, cavalry, regiments, black, buffalo, indians, 10th, war, new, men, indian, 9th, years, william, soldiers, served, regiment, name, mexico, sergeant, george, frontier, fought, act, 1866, western, view, two, trains, thomas, texas, stages, saw, railroad, protected, montana, medals, july, john, infantry, however, given, four, forts, escorted, enlist, engaged, edward, during, crews, composed