25th Infantry Regiment, 1890
At the end of the Civil War, many black Union veterans chose to remain in the service. They were sent west where they became known as “Buffalo soldiers.” The term originated because their thick, curly, black hair which was reminiscent of buffalo hair. About 40% of the soldiers in the West were black and the Buffalo Soldiers survived as an operational until after the First World War. They fought with distinction in Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico, Philippines and 350,000 served in France during the First World War. Historically interesting, they also patrolled what would be become our National Parks. These yet-to-be-called “Park Rangers” wore Stetson hats with what was called a “Montana Pinch” to better shed water during a rainstorm. Today these hats are the distinctive “Smokey Bear Hats.” From 1895 to 1897 and later in Cuba, John J. Pershing served as their commander. In fact, he lead the Buffalo Soldiers up San Juan Hill in Cuba. Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt of the Rough Riders was quoted as writing to a friend: “I wish no better men beside me in battle than these colored troops showed themselves to be.” When Pershing served at West Point, cadets who disliked his high standards nicknamed him N**** Jack. The press softened it “Black Jack.” When asked about the nickname, Pershing stated the black troops were some the best men he had ever commanded.