buffalo soldiers

Name given by American Indians to the black cavalry regiments of the US Army that served in the West during the late 19th century. These soldiers mainly fought against the Indians and were known for their courage, discipline, and loyalty.

Black Americans formed the 9th and 10th cavalries, which were sent to the West in 1867. In addition to fighting against the Indians, they also captured outlaws, protected pioneers, and patrolled the Mexican border. They were commanded by white leaders and often equipped with inadequate weapons and supplies. Nevertheless, they carried out numerous successful campaigns during the Indian Wars. These units later fought in the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Mexican campaign of 1916. Black US soldiers also made up the 24th and 25th infantries, which fought alongside the cavalry regiments.