Involvement with historical presentations i.e.. July 4th, Independence
Day parades, Memorial Day, Juneteenth (19 June) Celebrations and as Color
Guard for special events, retirements and dedications of Historical Monuments.
The members of the BSSNM have presented over 200 educational briefings
and presentations to adults, teachers and students throughout the great
state of New Mexico.
African American soldiers marched with and in the ranks of General
Washington's armies. African American soldiers have a proud history
from the American Revolution to the Gulf War.
We have worn the uniform of the United States, as soldiers, sailors,
marines & airmen. In each role, the African American has been
and will continue to be a part of the great heritage of the United States
of America.
The Buffalo Soldiers primary duties during the post civil war were
to protect isolated settlements and to establish towns throughout the southwest
territory. The Buffalo Soldiers established mail and stage routes across
the west and maintained law and order throughout the southwest region.
They guarded important mountain passes, water holes, isolated settlements
and many other tasks. The Buffalo Soldiers got their
name from the plains Indians not only because of their wooly-like hair
but also because of their unmatched courage and their superior fighting
skills.
There were 6 black units established during that time. The 9th
and 10th cavalry, and the 38th, 39th, 40th
and 41st Infantry. During the Post Civil War there was a total
of 12,500 black men enlisted in the Army. During this period 18 buffalo
soldiers were awarded medals of honor. They were gallant soldiers who were
devoted to a country that viewed them as less than men.
One such female soldier was Cathay Williams or as she was known to
her fellow soldiers, William Cathay. William Cathay was not an exceptional
soldier, but simply a "trooper" serving in New Mexico during the post civil
war. As an uneducated 19th century black woman, her options
were severely limited. The choice she made was an honorable one....to join
the Army.
Cathay had a front row seat to the Civil War. She traveled with the
army and was at the battle of Pea Ridge in Arkansas. She moved with them
around Arkansas and Louisiana watching as they burned cotton, and she saw
captured rebel gunboats burn on the Red River at Shrieveport. From there
she went to New Orleans, Savannah, Macon, and other places around the South.
What marks Cathay as a true pioneer is that she was a typical soldier,
no better nor worse than her peers. She met the standard of performance
as an equal, with no political motivation or social change menu. She asked
for no special treatment; she simply sought a better life and equal opportunity.
Ms Cathay Williams was one of the first women to serve in the US military
and although never receiving her just due, pioneered the way for other
women to follow!
Dunn, Si; "The First Cavalry Division - A Historical Overview 1921-1983",
Taylor Publishing Co. - Dallas, TX 1984
Hutcheson, Lt. Grote; "The Ninth Regiment of Cavalry", Journal of
the Military Service Institution of the United States, Vol. XVI, No. 75",
- May 1895
P>Leckie, William H.; "The Buffalo Soldiers", University of Oklahoma
Press - Norman, OK 1967
Rees, David ed; "The Korean War - History and Tactics", Orbis Publishing
Co. - London, UK 1984
Schubart, Frank N. and Kraus, Theresa L.; "The Whirlwind War", Center
of Military History - US Army 1995
Smith, Gene; "The Dark Summer", Macmillian Publishing Co. - New York,
NY 1987
Stubbs, Mary Lee and Connor, Stanley Russell, editors; "Army Lineage
Series", Armor/Cavalry - Regular Army and Army Reserve, U.S. Government
Printing Office - Washington, DC 1984
Warren, Melvin C., Original Paintings; "Frontier Forts of Texas",
Texas Press - Waco, TX 1966
Wormser, Richard; "The Yellow Legs", Double Day - Garden City, NY
1966
We are proud of the sacrifices Black service men and women have
so courageously and proudly made for this country. We are proud of
those who suffered and faced racial, prejudice and intolerance. We
must continue the struggle until all Americans can receive their
full recognition for their full contribution to America!
The Buffalo Soldiers were America's first black military soldiers
during the Post Civil War. Although history books have managed to omit
the tremendous contributions of the Buffalo Soldier, their history is rich
and their contributions to the development of the Southwest region is one
of honor. Their contributions to America should never be overlooked nor
should it ever be forgotten.
Reference Documents
For the provision of timely assistance and supporting documentation
of the historical missions and assignments of the 9th Cavalry Regiment
and the 1st Cavalry Division.
