Colchester Historical Society remembers the 'Buffalo Soldiers' of Fort Ethan Allen
colchestersun.comSubmitted by RamaSchneider t3_11d8u9g in vermont
Comments
Commercial_Case_7475 t1_ja7h8ix wrote
I believe buffalo soldiers was originally a reference to the Lakota tribes and various chiefs, like Crazy Horse, that lead many brave battles against American government land grabbers.
Human802 t1_ja8ajz0 wrote
My understanding was the black soldiers were forced to go fight the Lakota and other tribes, and it was the indigenous people that can up with the name Buffalo soldiers because of the dreadlocks they grew. This could just be a Rasta myth version though.
sorrycharlie88 t1_ja7lnw6 wrote
I doubt a rag tag group of South African/Dutch fighters named their unit after native American tribes though.
amoebashephard t1_ja7f7wk wrote
On topic! Good job my dude
brdnvmt t1_ja7wlkw wrote
Buffalo soldiers were a term given to black soldiers who served in the west. The reference, unfortunately, had to do with the similarities between their hair and the buffalo’s. Before you write, it’s just part of our history.
dropkickninja t1_ja7ol7y wrote
I had no idea they were stationed at the fort. Cool. I wonder where
sorrycharlie88 t1_ja7en7f wrote
Wonder what the meaning of "Buffalo soldier" actually was/is. The 32 Battalion from the South African Defense Force way back in the 80s and 90s was infamous and badass, slaying commies and taking few casualties. Their insignia was a water Buffalo, and they were referred to as the Buffalo Soldiers. Clearly they aren't the Buffalo Soldiers Bob Marley sings about, and they aren't related to the guys in this post, yet they are all referenced as the Buffalo Soldiers. Anyone know the history behind that designation and/or whether it's just a coincidence they all have the same specific name?