The Early Years

Co. A of the 10th U.S. Cavalry was stationed at Fort Larned from April 1867 to January 1869. Although they served with dedication, their time at the fort was troubled by racial prejudice.

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.

Black Seminoles were descendants of self-emancipated formerly enslaved people from Coastal Carolina and Georgia who partially assimilated with the Seminole people of Florida. In 1870 a group of Black Seminoles who had migrated to Texas from Mexico formed the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts. They scouted for the U.S. Army on the Texas frontier. Four Black Seminoles received the Medal of Honor.

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.

Fort Davis, in Texas, and the all-Black Buffalo Soldiers played important roles on the Texas frontier. Various groups of Buffalo Soldiers called Fort Davis home for almost 20 years, from 1867 to 1885. Today Fort Davis is a national historic site under the aegis of the National Park Service.

Buffalo Soldier of Fort Niobrara, Nebraska, circa 1880's.

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 Key was a Buffalo Soldier who served his country for decades with distinction.

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.