Buffalo Soldiers Geocoin

To travel with its owner from cache to cache.

On July 28, 1866 Congress enacted and adopted a legislation to create six all African American army units (9th, 10th Cav Regiments and 38th, 39th, 40th and 41st infantry regiments). By 1869, the U.S. Army had consolidated these into four all-black units: the 9th and 10th Cavalry as well as the 24th and 25th Infantry regiments.

The 10th cavalry was formed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and recruited soldiers from the northern states. Their motto was “Ready and forward”. The 9th cavalry recruited soldiers from the south and set up its headquarters in Greenville, Louisiana. Their motto was “We can, we will”. Both units mainly protected areas west of the Mississippi River.

The origin of the name “Buffalo Soldiers” has been controversial and interesting. The name was given to the 10th Cavalry by the Cheyenne Native Americans during a battle in 1867. There are three possible reasons for the name. One, the curly hair of the soldiers reminded them of the Buffalo. Two, they were given the name because their fierce fighting abilities reminded them of the way buffalo fought. Third, it may have been because they wore thick coats made from buffalo hide during winter. In any case, the name was given out of respect and honor.

In 1865 to 1916, these units continuously proved their heroism, and dedication in war. During the American Indian War (1867-1891) the Buffalo Soldier’s main objective was to protect settlers as they moved west and to support the westward expansion by building the infrastructure and railroads needed for the new settlers. They were mainly concentrated in the Southwestern and Great Plains region.

As the war ended the Buffalo Soldiers continued their support in the Spanish American War (1898), and the Philippine American war (1899-1901), as well as the expedition into Mexico in 1916. African American soldiers and sailors were respected and recognized for their devoted hard work and efforts by winning several Congressional Medals of Honor.

A few other contributions involve becoming some of the first National Park Rangers in Yosemite, Sequoia, and King Canyon. Their duty was to protect the parks from forest fires, timber thieves, and illegal grazing. They also built the first operating wagon trail.

By 1944 the 9th and 10th Cav Regiments were deactivated and by 1951 the remaining Infantry units had been deactivated and integrated into other units.

Today the Buffalo Soldiers and their descendants still come together for events and gatherings. They provide strong support to the community and also have re-enactments of their historical battles and to show how life was in their units.

This coin was created in commemoration of the Buffalo Soldiers. Proceeds from the sales will be donated to their North Carolina council. Each image in the coin represents a piece of their history.