The Buffalo Soldiers
The Buffalo Soldiers
On July 28, 1866, the U.S. Congress, as part of a broad reorganization of the army, authorized creation of six “colored” army regiments. Largely in acknowledgment of the outstanding service of the more than 180,000 African-American volunteers who fought for the Union during the Civil War, black soldiers were allowed to enjoy the status of army “regulars” for the first time.[1]
WHO WERE THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS?
The first men to serve in all-black army units did so in the Union Army, during the Civil War. The initial all-black regiment, the 54th Massachusetts, Four infantry and two cavalry regiments were created, the 9th and 10th cavalries and the 38th, 39th, 40th and 41st infantries. Many joined for the adventure but, more often, they were seeking the opportunity to make a new beginning in the aftermath of slavery and to prove their equality with other men. They worked seven days a week and the starting wage for enlisted men was only $13 per month. Their first job as Buffalo Soldiers was helping to secure the western frontier, subduing the American Indians who resisted the exploration and population of their lands. A total of 5,000 names were on the original muster roll which was composed entirely of African- American soldiers led by white commanding officer, Col. Robert G. Shaw.[2] The soldiers suffered heavy casualties in a heroic, though unsuccessful attempt to capture Fort Wagner at Charleston (S.C.) harbor in July 1863. In all, about 209,000 ex-slaves and free blacks served in the Union Army, and more than 68,000 of them died in battle or from wounds or disease. After the Civil War, Congress authorized two cavalry regiments and four infantry regiments of black troops, who were led by white officers. [3] Buffalo Soldiers (all black regiments) ceased to exist in 1948 when President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981 mandating equal treatment and opportunity for African-American servicemen.
HOW DID THE BUFFALO
On July 28, 1866, the U.S. Congress, as part of a broad reorganization of the army, authorized creation of six “colored” army regiments. Largely in acknowledgment of the outstanding service of the more than 180,000 African-American volunteers who fought for the Union during the Civil War, black soldiers were allowed to enjoy the status of army “regulars” for the first time.[1]
WHO WERE THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS?
The first men to serve in all-black army units did so in the Union Army, during the Civil War. The initial all-black regiment, the 54th Massachusetts, Four infantry and two cavalry regiments were created, the 9th and 10th cavalries and the 38th, 39th, 40th and 41st infantries. Many joined for the adventure but, more often, they were seeking the opportunity to make a new beginning in the aftermath of slavery and to prove their equality with other men. They worked seven days a week and the starting wage for enlisted men was only $13 per month. Their first job as Buffalo Soldiers was helping to secure the western frontier, subduing the American Indians who resisted the exploration and population of their lands. A total of 5,000 names were on the original muster roll which was composed entirely of African- American soldiers led by white commanding officer, Col. Robert G. Shaw.[2] The soldiers suffered heavy casualties in a heroic, though unsuccessful attempt to capture Fort Wagner at Charleston (S.C.) harbor in July 1863. In all, about 209,000 ex-slaves and free blacks served in the Union Army, and more than 68,000 of them died in battle or from wounds or disease. After the Civil War, Congress authorized two cavalry regiments and four infantry regiments of black troops, who were led by white officers. [3] Buffalo Soldiers (all black regiments) ceased to exist in 1948 when President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981 mandating equal treatment and opportunity for African-American servicemen.
HOW DID THE BUFFALO