The Legacy of Buffalo Soldiers and Native American Captivity

Buffalo Soldiers, specifically the 9th and 10th Cavalry regiments, played a significant role in the late 19th century American West. Their historical impact is often overshadowed by their name, but their contributions to the region and the Native American experience are profound. This article explores their legacy, particularly in the context of Native American captivity and the end of the decade-long war with the Lakota and Apache nations.

Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Assinboine

During the period following the decade-long war with the Lakota, specifically involving Hunkpapa, Lakota, Oglala, Crazy Horse, and the Northern Cheyenne, the Buffalo Soldiers were based about an 8-day ride from Fort Assinboine. By the time they arrived, the main conflict had largely ended, hence there were no significant Native American captives or prisoners in their patrol areas. The 9th and 10th Cavalry regiments, led by the famous commander "Black Jack" Pershing, were tasked with maintaining order and ensuring the peace in a region recently embroiled in conflict.

The Notable Fights and Campaigns

The fame of the Buffalo Soldiers primarily lies in their engagements with the Comanches and, particularly, the Chiricahua Apaches, who were one of the last major groups to be subdued. The Apache bands were small, as the sparse food supply in the high desert did not support large groups. The rare capture or surrender of an Apache camp would typically involve a few dozen people, and the largest such instance under Mangas Colorado was a few hundred strong. These captives were often taken to existing reservations, from which the chiefs and warriors had escaped. The Indian Reservations were poorly managed, and for the warriors put into exile, further escapes and raids were made unlikely.

The Buffalo Soldiers in Historical Context

The Buffalo Soldiers’ cavalry units, namely the 9th and 10th Regiments, are most renowned for their contributions. However, the infantry units of the Buffalo Soldiers were also significant. They not only covered more ground due to their foot mobility but also had a manpower advantage over cavalry units. In cavalry units, typically one in four or five soldiers had to hold the reins of horses for the battle, while horses required more water and food, thus consuming a significant portion of cargo capacity.

Further Reading on the Buffalo Soldiers and Apache Wars

There are several excellent histories of the Buffalo Soldiers, including a notable work by Paul Andrew Hutton titled "The Apache Wars: The Final Chapter of the Indian Wars." Hutton is considered one of the best living western historians and his work provides a comprehensive understanding of the Apache Wars. His detailed accounts provide insight into the complexities of the conflicts and the lasting legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers.

For those interested in delving deeper into the history of the Buffalo Soldiers and the Apaches, additional reading material includes:

The Buffalo Soldiers: A Narrative of the Black Cavalry in the West by Charles Irvin/single-quote>White Battles and Indian Wars of the Nations of the Upper Missouri 1865-1869 by Oliver La Farge The Apache Wars: A History of the Apache Tribes of the Southwest by Paul Andrew Hutton

These resources offer a rich and detailed exploration of the subject, providing historical context and personal accounts that enhance the understanding of this important part of American history.