Monument Honoring Historic Buffalo Soldiers Unveiled

According to one of the monoliths at the memorial, “This memorial is dedicated in loving memory to the men and women who served in the U.S. Military and to those civilians who provided them critical support.”

The project, spearheaded by San Angelo’s NAACP Past President Sherley Spears, raised hundreds of thousands of dollars from various sources nationwide. $300,00 came from an anonymous donation, $100,000 from the Bob and Doris Johnston Foundation, $15,000 in grants from Humanities Texas, $15,000 from the San Angelo Area Foundation, $65,000 from the San Angelo Health Foundation, and an additional $15,000 from the community and other interested parties.

The central plaque at the entrance to the monument detailed who the Buffalo soldiers were and why the regiment hosted here in San Angelo was important. “In 1866, for the first time, Blacks would be permitted to enlist in the peacetime U.S. Army. In that year, Congress authorized six regiments (two of cavalry and four of infantry) consisting of African American enlisted personnel. These men eventually became known as “Buffalo Soldiers,” a nickname bestowed on them by Native Americans.

The public is welcome and encouraged to visit the memorial. Along with its beautiful appearance, the monument is an excellent opportunity to educate current and future generations about an often overlooked portion of San Angelo’s history.