Riding into history

When the Ninth U.S. Cavalry was deployed to the far reaches of a largely uninhabited Texas, little did they know they would also found a legacy.

The waning days of the Civil War, which culminated at a historic meeting at the Appomattox Court House, not only ended fighting, but ushered in the age of the Buffalo Soldier.

By 1866, the war between the states had come to a bloody conclusion, and in the wake of impending southern reconstruction, the country was free to focus on the west as growing tensions with Mexico and Native Americans arose. With swift action by Congress in forming the Ninth U.S. Cavalry, it would be African American soldiers who would be given the task.

144 years later, Buffalo Solders: Discovering Heritage on the Texas Frontier, which shows at the Institute of Texan Culture (ITC) from July 22 through January 3, recounts the stories of life in the army and the families who remained after honorable discharge. Beyond artifacts and historical displays are the personal stories of the men who comprised the now famed Buffalo Soldiers.                                                 

At the epicenter of the breakthrough research is Margaret Lewis, vice president of the San Diego African American Genealogy Research Group.

“With much of this research, I went directly to the sources,” Lewis said. “There were ledgers that showed where a soldier served and that went back to the Civil War. Even then, they were officially recognized for their bravery.”

Trepidation over forming African American regiments was soon overcome as the Civil War quickly became more than a brief rebellion. In time, it was these same regiments which distinguished themselves in combat. With the war over, the mass of former slaves turned soldiers were offered another opportunity—this time, on the rugged frontier of Texas.                                                                                  

Trading in southern states still choking with military units from across the country for wide expanses of seemingly desolate land was more than a slight culture shock. Yet the men of the Ninth U.S. Cavalry would be charged with everything from protecting mail routes, establishing settlements, mapping the territory and sparring with Mexican bandits and hostile Native American tribes.

“For many of these men, they had never been on their own. Now they were in this place where they had to make decisions daily. While they still had white officers directing them, it was much more freedom than many of them had ever experienced,” continued Lewis.

Originally founded in New Orleans, the cavalry unit relocated to San Antonio, Texas just a year after being formed. As their list of duties grew, so did their territory. Fort Stockton, Fort Davis and Fort Concho soon became living, breathing entities complete with daily bugle calls throughout the day and soldiers taking to their tasks with military efficiency.

For as arduous as the work was, the lure of steady pay and the chance to become literate was enough to draw many to the west. Promotion for the cavalry came from within as men who were once seen as little more than property were now in positions of authority. The false stigma of being called a “negro” soldier gave way to simply being “Private,” “Sergeant,” or “Company Commander.”

“Some of the men were taught how to read and write,” Lewis explained. “In other cases, they had to teach themselves that. While they struggled, that led to many of them homesteading and buying land of their own after they were discharged.”

The dignity of a mission and the education with which it came with soon translated into prosperity in those very same territories when their service was done. In some cases, men who could not even read and write when they enlisted now were astute businessmen and cattle barons. They owned property and placed roots in Texas which are readily traced today.

For Lewis, she can count herself among those whose history includes the Buffalo Soldiers.

“With me it actually began in my family when I remember going to reunions for Buffalo soldiers with members of my family in California,” said Lewis.

Like many rediscovering their lineage, Lewis was struck by the largely unknown role played by the men of the Ninth U.S. Cavalry. As many of the details of their service reach a new generation, she also contents much of the work by the cavalry is not getting its due—but give it time.

“I think now people are becoming aware of the Buffalo Soldiers, some for the first time, but there’s so much to learn. When you think back to the fact that there was a black regiment present at the unofficial surrender of Lee, that’s just the beginning,” concluded Lewis.

For more information on Buffalo Solders: Discovering Heritage on the Texas Frontier, visit www.texancultures.com.