TPW employee Selton Williams

Buffalo Solders in Austin at State Capitol

Camp fire

The "Texas Buffalo Soldier" Educational Programs emphasize our shared western Heritage about the "9th Cavalry" and the "24th Infantry" Buffalo Soldiers, Vaqueros, Negro Cowboys, Women Pioneers, American Indians and other cultural groups in Texas during the 1800s. The focus of the educational programming is the youth and inner city communities of Texas. The Texas Buffalo Soldier Educational Programs blend the natural and cultural heritage of early Texas, explaining and demonstrating how this heritage has influenced our way of life.   

This is a lasting tribute to the Black Soldiers of the 9th & 10th Cavalry and the 24th & 25th Infantry Regiments for their "Outstanding" Acts of Valor during the Indian Wars Campaign.  Buffalo Soldiers were stationed at frontier forts and other military outposts from Texas to the Dakota territories to help with the westward expansion of the United States. "They helped build the West!!!"

During the Indian Wars campaign from 1866 to 1892, First Sergeant Emanuel Stance of the 9th Cavalry, stationed at Fort McKavett, Texas, was the first African-American to receive the Medal of Honor in the Indian Wars. By the close of the Indian Wars, there would be ten more Medals of Honor awarded to Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th Cavalry.

In 1866 and 1867, soon after the Civil War, Congress organized the Ninth and Tenth Cavalry and the Twenty-Fourth and Twenty-Fifth Infantry Regiments for western duty against the Indian Nations.

The Native Americans had such great respect for the fighting abilities of black solders that they called them "Buffalo Soldiers," because of the soldiers' strength and courage they displayed during battle.

The above is basic information the Buffalo Soldiers programs developed by Texas Parks and Wildlife with support from outside volunteer groups.  The programs connect with state historical sites operated by TPW, such as Fort McKavett near Menard.  A great deal of additional detail is on the web at:

www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/admin/buffalo/bf_history_toc.htm

Information provided by:
   Tom Harvey
   Texas Parks and Wildlife
   News and Information Branch

The Bee County Chamber of Commerce/CVB thanks Gary Kent of the Bee-Picayune and Barbara Welder  for providing this information from the TPW

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