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Buffalo Soldier Monument


category : Monuments
Buffalo Soldier Monument The Buffalo Soldier Monument, the brainchild of General Colin Powell, is a recent addition to Fort Leavenworth's historic landmarks. Dedicated in 1992, the monument honors the African-American soldiers who served in the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments.

They fought valiantly for their country and many died in the colors of the U.S. Cavalry. Yet they are the most unrecognized and deserving of all American Military Units.

The History of Buffalo Soldier

The name "Buffalo Soldier" originated from Native American Indians who found a similarity between the Trooper's hair and that of buffalo fur. These soldiers showed courage and bravery during the
battles they fought with the Indians, earning their respect.

These distinguished soldiers are an integral part of the rich heritage found embedded in the history of the United States, the State of Kansas and the U.S. military. During the years following the Civil
War, the advancing endeavors of the pioneers were dependent upon the courageous actions of the Ninth & Tenth U.S. Cavalry for their protection. They fought every type of hostile Indian, bandit, cattle thief, murderer, gunman, bootlegger, trespasser and Mexican revolutionary. From Kansas, they extended their protection southward to the Rio Grande, westward to the mountains and northward to Canada.

It was the buffalo soldier that scouted under great hardships, to guard the lives of the early settlers who came with their families to develop this region into farms and cities. The meager and embryonic law enforcement existing in these small isolated communities would have had little chance of success without the presence of the black soldiers. For it was they who fought and took the most difficult and dangerous action against groups of frontier ruffians.

The only hardships not overcome by the black soldiers in the early days of the two regiments were the racial discrimination and prejudicial treatment. The Ninth and Tenth Cavalries were consistently issued inferior horses, equipment, rations and living quarters. What was not of inferior quality was of insufficient quantity. In spite of these hardships and the difficult mission, these soldiers compiled an enviable record of accomplishments and victories. Their ranks included sixteen Medal of Honor
recipients.

On December 1, 1888, General Benjamin Grierson, upon relinquishing command of the Tenth Cavalry stated;

"Always in the vanguard of civilization and in contact with the most warlike and savage Indians of the Plains. The officers and men have cheerfully endured many hardships and privations, and in the midst of great dangers steadfastly maintained a most gallant and zealous devotion to duty, and they may well be proud of the record made, and rest assured that the hard work undergone in the accomplishment of such important and valuable service to their country, is well understood and
appreciated, and that it cannot fail, sooner or later, to meet with due recognition and reward."


Come visit us in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas

Attractions and Upcoming Events

St. Ignatius Chapel

The St. Ignatius Chapel was built here in 1889 and replaced the original chapel which had been built near here in 1871. Historical Marker (1967) - "

Fort Leavenworth, KS Historic Churches

National Cemetery

Designated a National Cemetery by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862 along with eleven others, military graves date back to 1846. Today, more than 20,000 veterans representing every war since 1812 are buried in the cemetery. Two soldiers from Operation Desert Storm were interred here in 1991.

Fort Leavenworth, KS Cemeteries

The Rookery

The Rookery at 12-14 Sumner Place is the oldest house in Kansas. It was completed in 1834 and was the first permanent post headquarters building. Lieutenant Douglas MacArthur lived here in the early 1900s. The building is a Registered National Landmark.

Fort Leavenworth, KS Famous Homes

French Cannons

These beautiful artifacts of bygone wars remain a mystery at Fort Leavenworth. They were cast in the 1700s in Paris; the name of the foundryman and place and date of manufacture are on each piece. How or why they came to Leavenworth is unknown.

Fort Leavenworth, KS Military History

Memorial Chapel

Built in 1878 by prison labor from stone quarried on the post and, today, is considered to be an outstanding architectural "gem" in this area.

Fort Leavenworth, KS Historic Churches

Things to do Monuments near Fort Leavenworth, KS