The Buffalo Soldiers
I while back I did a post on Soldiers mound and mentioned the memorial at our local cemetery. I thought that I would post a few picks of the memorial.
The area of the cemetery where these soldiers are buried was a very lonesome one when they were first interred there. On a far corner against a hill. The rocks forming a terrace give a rather lonesome look to the memorial. The marker was put up in 1936 and before that time only simple wooden crosses marked these soldiers final resting places in the frontier far from their homes.
I thought that I would add a link for additional stories of these brave men who were named the Buffalo Soldiers by their adversaries that named them for their bravery.
Click here if you wish to learn more. I have also added a painting by Michael Grey that shows Mackenzie in his final battle with Quanah Parker.
at 9:57 AM
6 Comments:
I just thought that I would mention that if you enlarge and read the memorial stone. It is amazing how un-pc it is. Of course it was written in 1936 but it seems quite demeaning to say that these black soldiers should be commemerated for making the plains safe for 'the white man.'
But regardless of how they worded the memorial stone. Their contribution to the settling of the plains can not be overlooked.
its a wonder there havent been outcrys over the wording on that stone, afterall some people are never happy unless they can find something "Un PC" to bitch about.
Fuzz are those sort of "dry stone walls " there to hold back the ground or just for decoration ?
I live in a very un-pc region of the country. Being pc is far from most peoples view of what is important. It is quiet and tucked away. I doubt many know that it is even here.
As far as the walls go it is mainly for decoration. There really isn't that much rain to call for such an elaborate series of stone wall terraces.
RANALD SLIDELL MACKENZIE
Born June 27, 1840 at Mt. Pleasant, New York. Ulysses S. Grant referred to him as "the most promising young officer in the army" for his contributions during the Civil War. He commanded the 4th Cavalry from Fort Concho during the Red River Indian War. Colonel Mackenzie’s most notable battle was his pursuit of the Indians into the Palo Duro Canyon on September 28, 1874. After spotting a large Camp of Kiowas, Comanches, and Cheyennes on the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River where Cita Blana Canyon cut into the Palo Duro Canyon, Mackenzie led his forces 1000 feet deep into the canyon down an Indian trail so steep that the soldiers had to lead their horses single file. The attack was difficult, but successful. Instead of following the fleeing Indians, Mackenzie captured the horses. After holding out the serviceable horses, Mackenzie ordered killed 1048 ponies, horses, and mules. The loss of shelter and equipment was significant in returning the Indians to the reservations in Indian Territory. Mackenzie died January 19, 1889 and is buried at West Point.
My grandad told me that if Mackenzie had not captured the indians horses, he would not have been able to bring them into submission. He had been after this bunch for quite some time, without sucess.
I am interested in seeing this wall / memorial. These were true '' Buffalo Soldiers'' buried there??
Like MiMi, I love the way you captured the flag on the memorial pic. It's very solemn...
phred: Give me a holler some time and I will show you the memorial at the gravesite of the Buffalo Soldiers. Mackenzie is also credited with naming quite a bit of this country. I was raised along White River in a stretch called Catfish. It was named so by Mackenzie for when they stopped their to camp the catfish were plentiful and his men feasted.
curare: Thanks, it is a solemn memorial and more so for the lonesome aspect of the place.
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