Chapter 17, Student Web Activities, Texas and Texans, Glencoe, 2003

Chapter 17: Cultures in Conflict
"The Buffalo Soldiers"

Introduction
Would the following advertisement inspire you to join an organization?: "Come fight hostile Native Americans! Live in rundown, lice-infested shacks! Work seven days a week (with two holidays off), and don't expect any thanks for the work you do. All this in a grueling environment for $13 a month!" Although this was not a true advertisement, these conditions do describe the life of the buffalo soldiers. In this activity, you will learn more about these brave men.

Destination Title: Texas Almanac

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Directions
Start at the Texas Almanac Web site.

Scroll down and click on Almanac Data.
Now click on Texas History.
Find and click on Texas History Highlights.
Click on The Buffalo Soldiers in Texas.
Read the information.

Use what you have learned to answer the following questions.

1. Why were the African American troops called "buffalo soldiers"?

2. How many regiments of African American troops did the U.S. Congress authorize? How long was an enlistment period?

3. Describe some of the equipment the buffalo soldiers used.

4. List at least five duties of the buffalo soldiers stationed in Texas.

5. Write your own letter of commendation (praise) for the buffalo soldiers. Begin your letter with the words, "In honor of the brave men known as buffalo soldiers, I hereby commend their heroism in the American West." Then provide examples of that heroism. Use standard grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation when writing your commendation.