The Buffalo Soldier

“The Buffalo Soldier” by Sherry Garland is the story of a young man who joins the Army after the Civil War, becomes a Buffalo Soldier, and builds a life for himself and his family. Called “buffalo soldiers” by the Cheyenne because of their hair, strength, and bravery, the 9th and 10th Cavalry were all African-American regiments made up of free and formerly enslaved men. The Buffalo Soldiers protected settlers and served during the Indian wars and the Spanish-American War, before the U.S. Army was desegregated in 1948. The Buffalo Soldier Monument at Fort Leavenworth was dedicated to them in 1992.