During
the Civil War,
over 186,000 African-Americans served in the Union Armies, fighting
for their freedom. After the war ended, the United States army
formed four infantry and two Cavalry regiments which were made up of black
soldiers who had fought in the war, and new recruits to be trained for
possible future conflicts. Black men enlisted in the army for the
same reason they sought work as cowhands, to make a living, and in this
case, get an education while earning the respect they deserved as American
citizens.The 24th, 25th
, 38th , 39th, 40th and 41st Infantry regiments and the 9th, and 10th
Cavalry regiments were stationed in the south-western Plains, where the
Indian wars were taking place. The 9th and 10th Cavalry regiments
were referred to as "Buffalo Soldiers" by the
Comanche and
Cheyenne Indians
, out of respect for their bravery, and worthiness as adversaries.
Buffalo Soldiers
In addition to fighting
off Native-American attackers who conducted raids on encampments and
livestock, the Buffalo Soldiers were instrumental in fending off attacks
by mercenaries, cattle rustlers, and Mexican revolutionaries.
Everything from small settlements to railway construction lines were
targets in need of protection. In addition to displaying their
skills as military men, the Buffalo soldiers also helped map the American
frontier, build and rebuild military outposts, and set up telegraph lines.
Since this site is above all,
about the life and times of Nat Love, and he wasn't a Buffalo soldier,
that's all we'll cover for now. The story of the buffalo soldiers
only serves as parallel to the illustrious accomplishments of Mr. Love,
who also fought against Indian attackers during the cattle drives.
If you wish to know more about Buffalo soldiers, visit
www.buffalosoldiers.net.
