The Buffalo Soldiers Museum in Houston, Texas, commemorates all African American soldiers who have served in every American War from 1783 to the present. Although the Buffalo Soldiers fought in the Revolutionary War, Congress did not establish the 9th and 10th Cavalry units until 1866. The nickname, Buffalo Soldiers, was given to these fierce fighting men by the Cheyenne Indians. The term has been synonymous with all African American Soldiers. I was privileged to tour this inspiring museum with board member Sam Davis.
Paul J. Matthews, the founder of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, researched military history and collected artifacts and memorabilia related to the Buffalo Soldiers for more than thirty years before creating the museum. Today, nearly half of the museum’s collection and exhibits have been donated from Matthews’s private collection. The bust of the Buffalo Soldier, donated by a doctor in East Texas, is the centerpiece of the museum’s collection.
The mission of the BSNM is to educate and to perpetuate the history, traditions, and contributions of the American Buffalo Soldier from the Revolutionary War through the present. The museum provides reenactments of a day in the life of the Buffalo Soldier and a talk from abolitionist Harriet Tubman for school groups. These talented reenactor volunteers bring history to life for students.
STORIES OF THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS
You find many stories as you walk the halls of the museum. One who stood out was Cathay Williams, the first woman Buffalo Soldier. She was a 22-year-old African American woman, born a slave, who served as a cook for General Sheridan during the Civil War. Inspired to join the Buffalo Soldiers, she changed her name to William Cathay to protect her identity and enlisted in Missouri. She also attained the distinction of being a sharpshooter. She served in the 38th Infantry and marched as a Buffalo Soldier to New Mexico in 1868. After the long troop march to New Mexico, she became ill, and her true identity was discovered. She was discharged and lived in Colorado in 1892, where she most likely died before the turn of the century. Williams was the first woman to enlist in the military, more than 80 years before women were admitted.
The Houston Riot in August 1917 was the largest court-martial in military history, with 64 soldiers facing charges. The soldiers were assigned to construct new military installations in and around Houston, Texas. One evening, a soldier saw a policeman assaulting a black female. Soon, the soldiers massed and attacked the police. The riot involved 156 soldiers in the racially charged Texas town. The riot left seventeen people dead. The twenty-two-day court-martial was held in San Antonio, and the sentences were implemented on December 10. Nineteen soldiers were hanged, and forty-one served life sentences.
EXHIBITS
The Paul Matthews Collection of artifacts is exemplary: The Buffalo Soldiers’ Woolly coat, Soldiers’ Saddle, and Uniforms from the Revolutionary War through Vietnam are displayed. The artwork that adorns the walls is remarkable.
Don’t miss this impressive tribute to the Buffalo Soldiers when you are in Houston. You will not be disappointed.
http://www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com/
