The American Soldiers of the West reenactor group will be at the Museum, portraying two U.S. Army units that fought in the Spanish-American War in 1898: The 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry (the “Rough Riders”) and the 24th Infantry Regiment (one of the “Buffalo Soldier” regiments).

This living history event will have a display of late 1800s guns, and set up camp on the Museum’s grounds for the weekend. The reenactors wear period uniforms, which are taken directly from the pages of history— as well as bringing accurate saddlebags, gear, and tack. Visit with them to learn about the Spanish-American War, and to learn more about the history of these two units.

This weekend event is open to the public Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 10am-5pm.

Who were the Buffalo Soldiers?

Formed by Congress in 1866, two Cavalry Regiments and four Infantry Regiments were formed as segregated units, which made up 20% of troops in the West. They are commonly called “Buffalo Soldiers” today. Officers of these groups were only ever white initially, until the 1890s when a black enlisted man was promoted to the officer rank. The last segregated U.S. Army units were integrated by 1951. The last all-Black unit to see combat was the 24th Infantry Regiment.

Why were they called Buffalo Soldiers:

Accounts vary, but most agree that the name was first given by the Cheyenne to the 10th Cavalry in 1871. The name may refer to the tireless marching of the troops, their buffalo skin coats, or the troopers’ curly hair. The name became a badge of honor in later years, but the term was probably not used by the soldiers themselves in the 19th Century.

The Rough Riders:

The 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry was formed in 1898 to assist the rebellion against the Spanish Empire and drew from frontiersmen and Indian Peoples across the Southwest. When Theodore Roosevelt took command, “Roosevelt’s Rough Riders” were born.

The 1st Volunteers fought alongside the segregated 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments in the 5th U.S. Army Corps commanded by Maj. Gen. William Shafter. They won many engagements together, most notably San Juan Hill and Kettle Hill. Although all troopers were cavalry-trained, they fought dismounted, having to leave their horses behind in the U.S.

This event is made possible by support from Columbia REA.