Houston’s Buffalo Soldier National Museum is Thoughtful and Inspiring

The Buffalo Soldier National Museum in Houston strives to preserve and share the history of military men and women who contributed to the success of the United States in times of war and peace. Doing so has led to a carefully curated site honoring the Buffalo Soldier, which contains historical items like prints, artifacts, and documents illustrating the surmounting of extreme adversity while ultimately telling the story of America.

In the formative years of America, black slaves and freedmen regularly fought in battle but were not allowed to serve as soldiers during times of peace. Then, in 1866, through an act of Congress, legislation was adopted to create six Army units of all African Americans. The units were the 9^th and 10^th cavalry, and the 38^th, 39^th, 40^th, and 41^st infantry regiments, later restructured to form the 24th and 25th infantry regiments. The first black professional soldiers in a peacetime army, these men originated from various backgrounds such as former slaves and Civil War veterans. In 1867, the 9^th Cavalry came to Texas, setting up camp in forts all along the frontier.

Photo: envato elements

Cavalries 9^th and 10^th, as well as the 24^th and 25^th Infantry Regiments, served in a range of western posts, from Texas to the Dakota territories. By building forts, roads, and telegraph lines, Buffalo Soldiers supported the westward expansion of the United States. Other service examples include becoming some of the first national park rangers, as well as those who rode thousands of miles, pioneering Army off-road biking. Buffalo Soldiers fought bravely in the Spanish-American War, both World Wars, and the Korean War. Their military segregation ended in 1951 per orders from President Harry Truman.

Find details and an involved community at this museum located at 3816 Caroline in Houston. Openings vary per the pandemic and can be found via the website and social media. African-American military history from 1770 to 2000 is broadly addressed, as well as the field of astronautics. Visit online, then plan a trip!