An Emerging World Power

Augustus Snoten served in the segregated military for nearly 30 years. His service took him from Puerto Rico to Alaska and many places in between.

Augustus Walley was born enslaved in 1856 in Maryland. He enlisted in the Ninth Cavalry in 1878. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions on August 16, 1881. He fought at the Battle of San Juan Hill during the Spanish American War in 1898. He died in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 9, 1938.

Benjamin Brown was an early African American recipient of the Medal of Honor, and had a military career that took him throughout the United States and the world.

Throughout his life, Charles Young overcame countless obstacles in his ascent to prominence. In spite of overt racism and stifling inequality, Young rose through the military ranks to become one of the most respected leaders of his time. From leading men in combat on foreign soil to leading men domestically in our country's national parks, Young led by example and inspired a generation of new leaders. He was posthumously promoted to Brigadier General on November 1, 2021.

From 1899 to 1900, "Buffalo Soldiers" from Company B of the 24th U.S. Infantry Regiment were stationed at Vancouver Barracks. This marked the first time in the history of the post that a unit from one of the Army's four African American regiments comprised the post's regular garrison of troops.

Arriving in May of 1899, the men of Company L, 24th Infantry, United States Army served their country from northern Lynn Canal. These Buffalo Soldiers fought a war on two fronts: protecting the community of Skagway while facing discrimination from the same people they served.

The Buffalo Soldiers played a key role during the Spanish-American War. The war lasted only a few months and was known as “The Splendid Little War.” Five Buffalo Soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroic actions in Cuba during the war.

Charles Faulkner had a thirty year career with the 10th Cavalry. He travelled to Cuba and the Philippines, and retired at the Presidio San Francisco.

Charles Terry was a Buffalo Soldier whose military career lasted almost 30 years.

Buffalo Soldier Sergeant Charles W. Grayson served at several U.S. Army posts, and overseas during the Spanish-American and Philippine Wars.