Buffalo soldiers of the 25th Infantry

This is a photo of the Buffalo soldiers of the 25th Infantry, some wearing buffalo robes, Ft. Keogh, Montana/ Chr. Barthelmess, photographer, Fort Keogh, Montana added by Ancient Faces on January 11, 2012.

Who were the Buffalo soldiers?
The nickname was given to members of African American cavalry regiments of the U.S. Army who served in the western United States from 1867 to 1896, mainly fighting Indians on the frontier. In 1866, six all-Black cavalry and infantry regiments were created after Congress passed the Army Organization Act.

According to a member of the 10th Cavalry, in 1871 the Comanche bestowed the name of an animal they revered, the buffalo, on the men of the 10th Cavalry because they were impressed with their toughness in battle. The soldiers earned $13/month.