Friday, December 04, 2009

Buffalo Soldier history


As the west became more populated and cattle drives and stagecoach lines became more prevalent, the Mescalo Apache began to defend their land by raiding and attacking settlements.  After the conclusion of the Civil War, the federal government sent units of African American soldiers to the west to protect settlers and travelers from the threat of attack.

The soldiers were named, Buffalo Soldiers, because of their dark skin, curly hair, and the intensity of their fighting.  They made an impact all over the Texas Mountain Trail region.

To read about the Buffalo Soliders stationed at Fort Davis National Historic Site, click here and here.
To read about Buffalo Soldier history in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, click here and here.
The Museum of the Big Bend has exhibits on Buffalo Soldiers.

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