Meet a Buffalo Soldier

Learn the history of Buffalo soldiers from the Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers Association (BCBSA) members through a short presentation, followed by members sharing stories and artifacts as they interact with visitors. The program is from 2:00 – 4:30 pm following our Full STEAM Ahead children’s program.

The Buffalo Soldiers were members of the all-Black U.S. Army units formed by Congress in 1866 after the end of the Civil War, giving former slaves, freedmen and Black Civil War veterans an opportunity to serve. Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Cheatom will lead the presentation as Trooper Cheatom of the BCBSA. Dressed in replica blue union Army uniforms worn by the Buffalo soldiers in the late 1800s, members will share the stories of an 1800s trail driver and the only recorded female Buffalo soldier, Cathay Williams. Since women were not allowed to serve then, Williams disguised herself as a man to enlist in the army, serving from 1866-68.