Buffalo soldiers hold history re-enactment

On Thursday, July 12, a little piece of history came to life in Raytown. Jimmy Johnson, a Raytown resident and a professor of anthropology, lead the group of three men and one woman, who portrayed Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th Cavalry. Johnson as Trooper Albert O’Bly directed Michael Patton, Chris Morris, Kevin Morris, and Tammy Turner through military drills and maneuvers.

Johnson and his fellow re-enactors dressed and spoke in character depicting a 19th century Buffalo Soldier campsite, displaying authentic camp equipment and historically accurate items. Thursday’s re-enactment was a rehearsal for an educational presentation that Johnson’s Buffalo Soldiers participated in Tuesday, July 17, at the American Royal Building.

The American Royal hosted the educational event, sponsored by Cerner Corp., for local summer school students as well as the Boys & Girls Club of Kansas City. In addition to Johnson’s Buffalo Soldier Camp Site, students were treated to Fort Riley’s Horse Drill Team, livestock animals, and several educational stations.

The history of the Buffalo Soldier

In 1866 the U.S. Congress authorized the creation of six African-American Army regiments – four Infantry and two Cavalry Regiments.

The nickname Buffalo Soldiers came from Cheyenne warriors, who called these African-American soldiers Wild Buffalo because of their fierce fighting ability and because their dark curly hair was reminiscent of a buffalo’s coat.

The term “Buffalo Soldier” while originally used in reference to the U.S. 10th Cavalry Regiment of the U.S. Army over time came to encompass the U.S. 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments as well as the 24th & 25th Infantry Regiments.

Today, the term is used in reference to U.S. Army units who are able to trace their direct lineage back to the 9th and 10th Cavalry units.