Buffalo Soldiers Day is an exceptional holiday for First Nation, Indian and Native Americans. This sacred holiday is observed in many different ways throughout the world. Historically, Buffalo Soldiers Day was created to honour the heroic sacrifices made by American Indians during the Revolutionary War.
Today, in many cities across North America, flags are flown at half-staff in memory of all those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice. When is Buffalo Soldiers Day? How can you mark this historical event?
When did Buffalo Soldiers Day become a national holiday?
The actual date is not known. Historians think it may have come into being around the mid-nineteenth century. Perhaps it was inspired by the legendary Buffalo Soldiers, a band of black soldiers who fought against whites in the Powder House Mountains of Montana. The story tells that a white man ordered his group to build a firebreak to distract the approaching British soldiers. When the black soldiers heard the noise of the breaking fire, they gathered around a large boulder and silently fired their muskets into the air.
- Year > 2024
- Date > July 28
- Weekday > Wednesday
History of Buffalo Soldiers Day
The story is told that one of the British soldiers, viewing the gathered buffalo soldiers, shouted, “All pull-out!” In response, the American soldiers, who were standing about thirty or forty yards away, opened fire. Although there is much speculation as to how many died in the volley, estimates range from a few to over 100. Some believe the death toll was much higher than the actual number of buffalo soldiers due to missed shots and poor shooting skills. Others believe the British suffered a more severe loss since the American force numbered nearly twice as many men.
Around the middle of the nineteenth century, a former slave trader and doctor from western Texas developed what would be known as the first Buffalo Soldiers Day. This parade honoured the African Americans who served during the Civil War. In addition to a large contingent of white soldiers, some African American soldiers were also present. Dr James Warren Longstreet was a former slave trader who created a parade to honour the African American soldiers, consisting of seven floats travelling through the city to the point where a blacksmith was assigned to make metal crowns for the unit’s leaders.
Buffalo Soldiers Day Celebrations
This annual event celebrates the bravery of the African American soldiers who served during the Civil War. During the early years of Buffalo Soldiers Day, this parade was often marred by violence. In addition to the regular floats, a contingent of black-clad veterans would travel through the streets in a painted black column to distinguish them from the white soldiers. The column formation was meant to resemble a victorious army, with the black-clad vets leading the way.
Throughout the history of Buffalo Soldiers Day, there have been celebrations and events that celebrate the role that Buffalo, New York, and its many ethnic groups and settlers played in building the United States. Today, Buffalo is a thriving city, with many residents remaining Native American and French. The events are not centred on a single community or group but are hosted by various organizations that bring people together for a fun day.
Some of these events include an afternoon of historical exploration with a visit from the National Park Administration or some of the many native American Indian tribes that live near the Buffalo area. For travellers, Buffalo Soldiers Day is a chance to enjoy authentic Western food and explore the unique history of one of the most important cities on the West Coast of the United States.
