The Buffalo Soldiers were six regiments of all-black cavalry and infantry units established in 1866 by Congress. They served on the western frontier, protecting settlements and infrastructure from Native American tribes. As the first peacetime all-black regiments in the regular US Army, they played a vital role in the expansion of the American West while facing discrimination. Some notable Buffalo Soldiers included Fitz Lee, the first black Medal of Honor recipient, and Charles Young, the highest ranking black officer at the time. Their service helped advance the civil rights of African Americans.

1. BUFFALO SOLDIERS
Brianna Campbell

2. WHO WERE THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS?
• In 1866 through an act of congress, legislation was adopted to
create six all African American army units. The units were
identified as the 9th and 10th cavalry and the 38th, 39th, 40th
and 41st infantry regiments. The four infantry units were
reorganized in 1868 as the 24th and the 25th infantry. Black
soldiers enlisted for five years and received $13.00 a month, far
more than they could have earned in civilian life.
• All Black Soldiers eventually became known as Buffalo Soldiers

3. Contributions
• Were the first line of defense on the frontier, guarding forts and
ranches and engaging in conflicts with the Comanche and Apache,
Mexican revolutionaries, and outlaws.
• Provided protection by escorting wagon trains and stagecoaches.
• Vital in developing infrastructure in the West.
• Became Park Rangers
• Known as the backbone of support for the modern civil rights
movement

4.  Most recruits had no education
 Were taught to read and write and were given
a basic education

5. Western Expansion
 The Buffalo Soldier’s main charge was to protect settlers as they moved west
and to support the westward expansion by building the infrastructure needed
for new settlements to flourish
 Had a vital impact on expansion

6. Important People
• Fitz Lee (June 1866 – September 14, 1899)- was a Buffalo Soldier in the
United States Army and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions at
the Battle of Tayacoba in the Spanish–American War.
• Benjamin Henry Grierson (July 8, 1826 – August 31, 1911)- organized and
led the Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry Regiment from 1866 to 1888.
• Charles Young (March 12, 1864 - January 8, 1922) was the third African-
American graduate of West Point, the first black U.S. national park
superintendent, first black military attaché, first black to achieve the rank of
colonel, and highest-ranking black officer in the United States Army until his
death in 1922.

7. How Buffalo Soldiers Effected Society
 Civil Rights Movement
 Western Expansion
 Gave society a new view on black citizens

8. WORKS CITED
 1. . N.p.. Web. 17 Mar 2014. <http://www.buffalosoldiers-
amwest.org/history.htm>.
 2. Martines, Sheree. N.p.. Web. 17 Mar 2014.
<http://www.ehow.com/list_7479353_contributions-did-buffalo-soldiers-
make.html>.
 3. Glasurd, Bruce. 0.
<http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/B/BU005.html>.
 4. Davis, S. L.. N.p.. Web. 17 Mar 2014. <http://www.buffalosoldier.net/>.