El Paso Museum Of History To Hold Seminar About Buffalo Soldiers This Weekend

Buffalo soldiers have a long history in El Paso. From the Visit El Paso website:

"When the Plains Indians first saw the men of the 10th Cavalry wearing with their dark skins, curly hair and wearing fur overcoats they referred to them as "Buffalo Soldiers." The nickname "Buffalo Soldiers" was originally given to the 10th Cavalry by Cheyenne warriors out of respect for their fierce fighting in 1867. The Cheyenne Native American term used was actually "Wild Buffaloes", which was translated to "Buffalo Soldiers." In time, all African American Soldiers became known as "Buffalo Soldiers." Despite second-class treatment these soldiers made up first-rate regiments of the highest caliber and had the lowest desertion rate in the Army."

Fort Bliss has a Buffalo Soldier memorial, as does Concordia Cemetery. The El Paso Museum of History will give you the chance to learn more about the Buffalo Soldiers during a discussion with Dr. John Langellier. Langellier wrote 'Fighting for Uncle Sam: Buffalo Soldiers in the Frontier Army', and will be discussing their history in the Southwest at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 24.

You will be able to buy Dr. Langellier’s book at the Museum gift store, and he will be available for signings. This is a great opportunity to learn about a well-documented, but little-known chapter in our region's history.