American Plains Indians who fought against these soldiers referred to the black cavalry troops as “Buffalo Soldiers” because of their dark, curly hair, which resembled a buffalo’s coat and because of their fierce nature of fighting. The nickname soon became synonymous with all African-American regiments formed in 1866. (Wikipedia)

Idaho has strong connections to Buffalo Soldiers. Units from Ft. Missoula and later Ft. Wright participated in restoring order during the 1890s mining wars, as well as help rescue local townsfolk from the Great Fire of 1910. 

Wallace, Idaho, in June 2019, hosted a group of Buffalo Soldiers re-enactors. They came to shine a light on a little-known chapter in the annals of U.S. Military History. On 14 June 1897, a force of 20 African American soldiers along with two white officers, a doctor and a newspaper reporter set off on an epic 1900 mile bicycle ride from Missoula, Montana, to St. Louis, Missouri. 

Nicknamed the Iron Riders for both their heavy one-speed bikes and their iron hard constitutions. The intrepid group made the trip in six weeks, having battled poor roads, every kind of weather, meager rations and prejudice. But they did receive a hero’s welcome when they arrived in St. Louis. 

Nothing I read explained WHY did they make that ride but it was an extraordinary achievement. 

To learn more about the Buffalo Soliders, click on YouTube and search for The Bicycle Corps, America’s Black Army on Wheels. There is also a Buffalo Soldier National Museum in Houston, Texas. 

To me, every tidbit of American history, done by ANY of her people, I find fascinating. Hope you do too.