​“Bridging Histories: Major George Ford, the Buffalo Soldiers, and Reconciliation with the American Indigenous Peoples”

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An Essay by Linda Allen Hollis

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A Soldier’s Reflections: Major George Ford’s Story
My personal connection to the Buffalo Soldiers runs deep, tracing back to my great-grandfather, Major George W. Ford. My mother, Elise Ford Allen, often shared stories of his service with the legendary 10th Cavalry, providing a glimpse into his experiences and those of his fellow troopers. Through her recollections, I have come to understand the empathy many of these soldiers felt towards the American Indigenous Tribes. These Black soldiers were not merely following orders; they were individuals deeply moved by the injustices faced by the Native Americans.

 

Major Ford’s reflections on his military service reveal the complex and often conflicting emotions experienced by the Buffalo Soldiers. They grappled with their role in the broader narrative of oppression, recognizing that their own struggles frequently mirrored those of the American Indigenous Tribes they encountered. Native Americans faced forced removal from their ancestral territories through policies like the Indian Removal Act of 1830. This Act led to tragic events such as the Trail of Tears, where thousands perished during relocation. Similarly, Africans were violently uprooted from their homelands and transported across the Atlantic during the Middle Passage, only to be sold as property and forced to work on plantations far removed from their native lands. The legacies of both the Buffalo Soldiers and the American Indigenous Tribes are far more than historical footnotes; they are vivid, ongoing accounts of strength, struggle, and the relentless pursuit of dignity.

 

Historical Context and Misunderstandings
The Buffalo Soldiers were originally members of the U.S. 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiment of the Army, formed in 1866. They played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States, including the Frontier Wars, where the soldiers were often pitted against American Indigenous Tribes. Despite being former slaves or descendants of slaves, these soldiers were used as instruments of U.S. expansion, participants in actions that led to the loss of Native American lands and lives. This involvement is a source of historical tension, as the Black soldiers were part of a military force that contributed to the dispossession and suffering of American Indigenous Peoples.

 

After the Civil War, many Black men sought better lives in the West, seeing military service as one of the few viable options for employment and advancement in a society that offered them few alternatives. This dual position as both oppressors and the oppressed created a deep sense of ambiguity. The Buffalo Soldiers were caught between their identity as Black Americans striving for acceptance and their role as soldiers executing U.S. government directives.

Many of these Black soldiers grappled with the moral and emotional conflicts of their service. On one hand, they were striving for self-respect and a sense of belonging in a country that had long subjugated them. On the other hand, they were participating in actions that perpetuated the suffering of another marginalized group—Native Americans. This internal struggle was profound as the Buffalo Soldiers recognized injustices of their own histories of exploitation and systemic racism as they enforced policies that paralleled the oppressed practices they or their ancestors had endured.

Shared Struggles and Common Ground
To fully grasp the shared exploitation of Native Americans and African Americans, it is essential to explore their past experiences. Throughout history, the two groups have endured severe hardships and injustices under an oppressive U.S. regime designed to dismantle their spirit and autonomy.

Despite these adversities, both populations have demonstrated perseverance in overcoming them. Native Americans have worked to protect their cultural heritage, reclaim their lands, and assert their tribal sovereignty. Meanwhile, African Americans, through relentless struggle, have achieved significant progress in civil rights and made meaningful contributions to the nation’s cultural and social fabric. The legacies of their resistance against dehumanization and exploitation highlights their strength and serves as a continuing call for justice and equality.

Recognizing and understanding these shared struggles is crucial in addressing the historical and ongoing challenges faced by these two communities, and in building a more inclusive society for all.

Beyond the Battlefields
The Buffalo Soldiers’ contributions extend far beyond their military engagements with the American Indigenous Tribes. They played a crucial role in building infrastructure in the American West, including roads, telegraph lines, and national parks. Their efforts were instrumental in developing the regions they served in, contributing to the nation’s expansion and modernization, yet they received little recognition or reward for their contributions.

Moreover, the Buffalo Soldiers were often deployed during their enlistment in humanitarian roles. They protected settlers, guarded stagecoaches, transported U.S. mail, and worked to maintain peace on the frontier. Their military service was marked by grit, discipline, and a commitment to their duties, even in the face of persistent discrimination and harsh conditions.

After the Frontier Wars, the Buffalo Soldiers continued to serve the United States with distinction in several key conflicts. During the Spanish-American War, they played crucial roles in battles such as San Juan Hill, earning respect for their bravery. They were then deployed to the Philippines to suppress Filipino resistance in the Philippine-American War, once again highlighting their military prowess. In the Mexican Expedition, they pursued Pancho Villa under
harsh conditions, demonstrating resilience and tactical skill. During World War I, despite segregation policies limiting their combat roles, they contributed significantly to the war effort in support roles. In World War II, they served in various capacities across different theaters, their service contributing to the eventual desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces. Through their participation in these conflicts, the Buffalo Soldiers maintained a legacy of honor, professionalism, creating a path toward racial equality in the military.

Reconciliation
Reconciliation between the Buffalo Soldiers and American Indigenous Tribes is not about erasing the past but about understanding it in its full complexity. Both groups have experienced significant hardships and have demonstrated admirable fortitude and strength. By acknowledging these parallels, a path to mutual respect can be forged by both parties in understanding a way forward.

Reconciliation also requires a commitment to deep compassion, education, and dialogue. Encouraging open and honest conversations between descendants of Buffalo Soldiers and American Indigenous Tribes can begin the healing process. These dialogues should be supported by historians, community leaders, and mediators who can help navigate the sensitive aspects of this history. Acknowledging the broader context of the Buffalo Soldiers’ service and their
contributions beyond the battlefields is a step towards to a truthful narrative of American history.