06/19/2026
Today marks the 161st anniversary of the emancipation of the last enslaved people in the United States being freed. Since that day brave African American men and women have achieved much, breaking barriers and becoming famous pioneers in science and politics. For many upon receiving their freedom they were left with a difficult question. What should I do? For many the answer was simple, they would show their gratitude for the nation that set them free and enlisted into the Army, quickly earning the name of Buffalo Soldiers.
Fort Buford is also connected to this legacy of excellence with the Buffalo Soldiers, the African American troops who served primarily in the 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments. These soldiers were stationed throughout the western frontier and helped patrol vast territories, build infrastructure, and protect routes between military posts like Fort Buford. Despite facing discrimination and harsh conditions, the Buffalo Soldiers earned a reputation for discipline and resilience, and their presence contributed to the broader military efforts that shaped life on the northern plains. Today, Fort Buford serves as a reminder of the complex history of the frontier and the diverse soldiers who played a role in it.
Image: Photographer Unknown, An Afro-American Corporal, in the 9th Cavalry. Snow covers the ground., Photograph, Denver Public Library, 1890, http://cdm16079.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/p15330coll22/id/23968/rec/8.
