WHO ARE THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS?
Shortly after the Civil War, Congress authorized the formation of the 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st Infantry Regiments: Six all Black peacetime units. Later the four infantry regiments were merged into the 24th and 25th Infantries.
At least 18 Medals of Honor were presented to Buffalo Soldiers during the Western Campaigns. Similarly, 23 African-Americans received the nation's highest military award during the Civil War.
African-Americans have fought in military conflicts since colonial days. However, the Buffalo Soldiers, comprised of former slaves, free men and Black Civil War soldiers, were the first to serve during peacetime.
Once the Westward movement had begun, and prominent among those blazing treacherous trails of the Wild West, were the Buffalo Soldiers of the U.S. Army. These African-Americans were charged with and responsible for escorting settlers, cattle herds, and railroad crews. The 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments also conducted campaigns against American Indian tribes on a western frontier that extended from Montana in the Northwest to Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona in the Southwest. Throughout the era of the Indian Wars, approximately twenty percent of the U.S. Cavalry troopers were Black, and they fought over 177 engagements. The combat prowess, bravery, tenaciousness, and looks on the battlefield, inspired the Indians to call them "Buffalo Soldiers." Many Indians believe the name symbolized the Native American's respect for the Buffalo Soldiers' bravery and valor. Buffalo Soldiers, down through the years, have worn the name with pride.
Buffalo Soldiers participated in many other military campaigns: The Spanish American War, The Philippine Insurrection, The Mexican Expedition, World War I, World War II, and the Korean Police Action.
Much has changed since the days of the Buffalo Soldiers, including the integration of all military servicemen and women. However, the stories of the Buffalo Soldiers remain one of unsurpassed courage and patriotism, and will be forever a significant part of the history of America.
African-Americans have fought with distinction in all of this country's military engagements. However, some of their most notable contributions and sacrifices came during the Civil War. During that conflict, more than 180,000 African-Americans wore the Union Army blue. Another 30,000 served in the Navy, and 200,000 served as workers on labor, engineering, hospital and other military support projects. More than33,000 of these gallant soldiers gave their lives for the sake of freedom and their country.
Hampton Roads chapter history
The Hampton Roads Buffalo Soldier’s Motorcycle Club was chartered on 11 November 2004. Our members are a collective group of active duty and retired military, active and retired Law Enforcement Officers, and civilian male and female riders who are dedicated to continuing the legacy of the Buffalo Soldier.
The Charter members include...........
Cochise - Founder
Al Hog
Road Hog
Da Subman
Paratrooper
This chapter has only had four presidents:
Cochise 2004 - 2012
Creole 2013 - 2016
Spoon 2017 - 2020
Biggie 2021 - 2022
Spoon 2023 - Present
The philosophy of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club is:
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To promote the history of African American Veterans.
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To be a positive role model for youth in our community.
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To support our veterans by visiting local veterans, their families, and supporting our fallen heroes.
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To support charitable organizations in our community.
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To uphold the traditions and standards of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle
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To promote motorcycle safety in our community.
Our history will never be forgotten.
The CUFFEETOWN 13
Thirteen African American veterans of the Civil War are interred at the Cuffeytown Historic Cemetery. They served in the 5th, 10th, and 36th United States Colored Troops (USCT) infantry regiments organized in 1863 and 1864, after the Emancipation Proclamation authorized the recruitment of blacks for the U.S. Army and Navy.
The 5th USCT, organized in Ohio in August 1863, fought in North Carolina as well as in the Virginia battles of the Crater at Petersburg, New Market Heights, and Fair Oaks.
The 10th USCT was organized in Virginia in November 1863 and fought in 1864 at the Battle of Wilson’s Wharf (Fort Pocahontas).
The 36th USCT, organized from the 2nd North Carolina Colored Infantry in February 1864, fought in the Battle of New Market Heights, the Appomattox Campaign, and in North Carolina.
The 5th USCT was demobilized in North Carolina in September 1865, while the 10th and 36th USCT were ordered to Texas after the war and mustered out there in 1866.
About 200,000 African Americans served in the U.S. Army and Navy during the Civil War, fighting for freedom and the restoration of the Union.
Free blacks founded Cuffeytown long before the war. The veterans and other residents established the Gabriel Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in 1866.
