Buffalo Soldiers Memorial

The Buffalo Soldiers Memorial stands as a profound tribute to the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of African-American soldiers who served in the United States Army’s 10th Cavalry Regiment. Located at 2800 Poplar Avenue NW in Huntsville, Alabama, this memorial park represents one of only three dedicated monuments to the Buffalo Soldiers in the entire United States and the only one situated east of the Mississippi River.[1][2] The memorial serves as a powerful historical landmark that honors not only the 10th Cavalry Regiment but also recognizes the broader legacy of all Black service members who faced tremendous adversity while serving their nation with distinction and honor.

The history of the Buffalo Soldiers is deeply intertwined with American military heritage and the struggle for recognition of African-American contributions to national defense. Following the Civil War, the future of African-Americans in the United States Army remained uncertain until July 1866, when Congress passed legislation establishing two cavalry and four infantry regiments composed entirely of African-American soldiers.[3][4] The 9th and 10th Cavalries became particularly renowned for their service on the Western Frontier, where they conducted extensive campaigns against Native-American tribes while constructing frontier outposts, roads, and telegraph lines. It was during these operations that Native-Americans bestowed upon them the nickname “Buffalo Soldiers,” a name that would become synonymous with bravery and military excellence.[3]

The connection between the Buffalo Soldiers and Huntsville, Alabama, emerged following the Spanish-American War in 1898. After participating in the famous “Charge Up San Juan Hill” alongside Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders, the 10th Cavalry was ordered to recuperate in Huntsville.[2][3] The soldiers were initially stationed at what is now Big Spring Park in downtown Huntsville but were subsequently relocated to what became known as Cavalry Hill, where they remained encamped from October 18, 1898, until January 28, 1899.[7][8] They were sent to this location to recover from illnesses, wounds, and diseases contracted during their service in Cuba. The area where they recuperated eventually became known as 10th Cavalry Hill, named by local residents in recognition of the regiment’s historical presence.

The Buffalo Soldiers Memorial Monument itself was unveiled and dedicated on April 30, 2010, after fourteen years of dedicated work by volunteers and city officials.[2] The centerpiece of this memorial park is a striking bronze statue of Sergeant George Berry, who carried the regimental flag at San Juan Hill, mounted atop his horse and holding the regimental colors. This powerful sculpture rests upon a 10-foot-tall granite base weighing 35,000 pounds, which is inscribed with the history of the Buffalo Soldiers and lists those who received the Congressional Medal of Honor.[2] The memorial was conceived by Dr. John Cashin, whose grandfather wrote a comprehensive history of the Buffalo Soldiers, and was sculpted by Casey Downing, a talented artist from Mobile, Alabama.

Today, the Buffalo Soldiers Memorial park continues to serve as an essential educational and commemorative space for the Huntsville community and visitors from across the nation. The memorial park honors the legacy of these remarkable soldiers and provides a venue for annual commemorations, including National Buffalo Soldiers Day celebrations.[1] Through its presence and historical significance, the memorial ensures that the contributions, strength, resilience, and sacrifice of the Buffalo Soldiers remain recognized and celebrated for generations to come, standing as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who served with honor despite facing systemic injustice and discrimination.