In 1866, just after the end of the Civil War, the United States Government authorized the formation of two all black
cavalry regiments, and four all black infantry regiments.
In the summer of 1867, the Buffalo Soldiers moved west, beginning two decades of continuous service on the
Great Plains and the mountains and deserts of New Mexico and Arizona.
By 1869, the 10th Cavalry was headquartered at Fort Sill, then called Camp Wichita, in Indian Territory. For the
next six years, the troops protected and kept peace among the Kiowa, Comanche, Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho
on the reservation at Fort Sill. Elements of the 6th and 10th Calvary were moved to Fort Richardson.
In 1870, a detachment of the 6th Cavalry from Fort Richardson attacked a camp of Kiowa raiders led by Kicking
Bird. In the resulting Battle of the Little Wichita River, three soldiers were killed and 11 wounded. Indian losses were
estimated at 15 killed and the number wounded unknown.
In one engagement, the Cavalry post at Buffalo Springs in Clay County was besieged by some 300 Comanche.
Troopers and civilian employees of the post quartermaster conducted a defense for two days until the Indians withdrew
when a cavalry patrol returned to the post.
The primary duty of the Buffalo Soldiers in Clay County was protection of the mail, travelers and supply wagons on
the Fort Sill to Fort Richardson road which ran through Clay County and Henrietta, and protection of the settlers from
Indian attacks.
In 2009, the Clay County Historical Society began an association with the Buffalo Soldiers through Mr. Arther
Embers and the Buffalo Soldiers Riding Club of Vernon, by sponsoring a ride through town and a presentation to the
Buffalo Soldiers by Macon Boddy, President of the Clay County Historical Society, of a plaque, honoring their
contribution to the settlement of Clay County
In 2010 Henrietta was proud to have the Buffalo Soldiers participate in the Saturday parade as part of the Pioneer
Reunion Celebration.
The Buffalo Soldiers work with the support of the Texas Parks and Wildlife and many Clay County schools to present
lectures, displays and encampments, and provide educational material and programs that benefit all the citizens of Clay
County.
If you get the opportunity to see this fine organization at one of their appearances, go… and be prepared to be
impressed.
