Have you ever seen an episode of Gunsmoke where African American soldiers were part of the regiment guarding the prairie? How about Bonanza? What about The Big Valley? All three were popular television series in which fiction and fact were often blended to add a semblance of reality to certain episodes. All three were set in the western frontier and at similar time periods in American history. Gunsmoke, in particular, issued several episodes depicting the U. S. Calvary scouting the Kansas frontier in hopes of squashing potential “Indian uprisings” and “protecting white settlers" who lived away from the main population clusters from "invasion by Indians." Bonanza, set in Nevada between 1861 and 1870, often had the cavalry in pursuit of "renegade Indians"
One episode of The Big Valley, set in California, stands out in that it mentions the fact that the Buffalo Soldier was a courageous military unit known for their loyalty and passion to serve. The episode featured African American actor, Yaphet Kotto, in the role of Damien. He gets the attention of Victoria, played by Barbara Stanwyck, when her son, Jerrod, played by Richard Long, recognizes Damien as no ordinary prisoner but a member of the Buffalo Soldiers.
Who were these Buffalo Soldiers and what role did they play in America’s history?
According to the federal government sources, the alias ‘Buffalo Soldier’ was the name used by the indigenous population to describe the African American soldiers of the 10th Cavalry, a regiment created to assist in the United States campaign to subdue the Indigenous peoples living on the western frontier.
The regiment, originally stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, suffered many set backs at the outset. In addition to a lack of clerical assistance and necessary number of recruits needed to build the regiment, the first officer appointed to lead the troops resigned. An outbreak of cholera also threatened the survival of the troops.
These soldiers also battled discrimination of the worst kind from within and outside of the military. Their bravery, integrity, and unequivocal commitment to the United States should never be overlooked. In addition to engaging in several battles, including helping to secure the victory on San Juan Hill, “the soldiers of the 10th Cavalry scouted thousands of miles of territory, built forts, opened more than 300 miles of new roads, installed over 200 miles of telegraph lines, located important water sources, protected stagecoach and mail routes, and escorted cattle drives and wagon trains.” (Santa Fe National Historic Trail)
As you celebrate Veterans Day this year, remember the Buffalo Soldiers and all those who serve and have served the nation.
Check out the following Federal sites and resources to find out more about the Buffalo Soldiers and their place in America’s history:
Black Soldier battled prejudice with honor
Buffalo Soldiers Study
Fort Leavenworth and the Establishment of the 10th Cavalry
History of the 10th Calvary
Image: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA