We observe National Buffalo Soldiers Day on July 28 each year to honor the all-Black regiments established by the Army Reorganization Act of 1866. These soldiers, known as the Buffalo Soldiers, played a pivotal role in American military history, serving with distinction during the Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War.
Among those regiments, the 10th U.S. Cavalry made a historic stop in Huntsville from October 1898 to January 1899 following their service in Cuba. Led by 1st Lt. John “Black Jack” Pershing, the Buffalo Soldiers arrived for convalescence after enduring brutal tropical conditions and disease during the war. They were first stationed at Camp Albert G. Forse atop Monte Sano, then later relocated to what became known as Cavalry Hill, near today’s Poplar Avenue and University Drive.
Why Huntsville?
The U.S. Surgeon General selected Huntsville for its status as one of the cleanest cities in America at the time, making it an ideal location for the troops’ recovery. Local residents often saw the soldiers in tents, giving rise to the name “Cavalry Hill.” Though the community largely welcomed them, the soldiers endured hardship. Uniforms were threadbare, tents leaked, and due to racial tensions, they were stripped of their weapons. Some even wrote directly to President William McKinley pleading for the return of their arms, fearing they were vulnerable to attack.
Despite these challenges, the 10th and 9th Cavalry earned respect across the ranks. One white soldier later wrote, “We would not have won this war had it not been for the bravery of the 10th and 9th Cavalry soldiers.”
Remembering Their Names and Stories
Many of the Buffalo Soldiers who camped at Cavalry Hill are not widely known by name, but several have been identified and honored through research and community remembrance.
- Sgt. George Berry, Troop G– Featured in Huntsville’s bronze memorial statue, Berry carried the regimental flag during the charge up San Juan Hill.
- Sgt. Horace Wayman Bivins– A Silver Star recipient for bravery in Cuba and the Army’s first double Distinguished Shooter, Bivins served until World War I.
- Charles B. Turner, Troop E– Rising from private to commissioned officer, Turner likely camped at Cavalry Hill and served through 1903.
- 2nd Lt. Paschal Conley– A Madison County native and literacy advocate, Conley became an officer and was posthumously promoted in 2012.
Other notable Buffalo Soldiers who shaped the legacy of the 10th Cavalry include:
- Augustus Walley– Medal of Honor recipient, born into slavery, who served in both the 9th and 10th Cavalry.
- Henry Johnson, Private Fitz Lee Sergeant Edward L. Baker Jr., Private Dennis Bell, Corporal William Thompkinsand Private George Wanton– All Medal of Honor recipients who embodied the unit’s courage and heroism.
A Monument to Their Legacy
The idea for a Buffalo Soldiers memorial in Huntsville began in the mid-1990s with civil rights leader Dr. John L. Cashin Jr. In 2001, artist Casey Downing of Mobile sculpted the striking bronze statue of Sgt. Berry on horseback. Initially displayed inside the Academy for Academics and Arts, formerly Cavalry Hill School, the statue was moved outside in 2010 to a prominent location atop a 10-foot granite pedestal.
Engraved with Buffalo Soldiers history and the names of Medal of Honor recipients, the monument was officially dedicated on April 30, 2010. The unveiling included participation from military representatives, local officials and members of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle and Trooper Club. The project was made possible by grassroots fundraising efforts, including a “Buy A Brick” campaign and municipal support.
Huntsville’s Buffalo Soldiers Memorial is one of just three in the country and the only one east of the Mississippi River.
A Site for Reflection
Overlooking a peaceful hill, the site remains a destination for school groups, veterans, heritage tours and visitors year-round, especially during Black History Month and Veterans Day observances. In 2024, new wayfinding signs were installed along Pulaski Pike to help guide visitors to this historic place.
Today, the Buffalo Soldiers Memorial at Cavalry Hill stands not just as a tribute to a brave regiment, but as a testament to service, sacrifice and the struggle for dignity in the face of adversity. It reminds us that their story is not just Black history, it is American history.
