EXHIBIT
The Major George William Ford Exhibit honors his distinguished military service and that of his fellow Buffalo Soldiers. This powerful tribute invites visitors to explore the stories of these courageous Black men—many of whom made the remarkable journey from enslavement to enlistment—offering a path of discovery, reflection, and understanding. Artifacts and memorabilia featured in this exhibit are thoughtfully grouped to illustrate their historical use in various scenarios, providing context to the experiences of the soldiers who once carried or created them.
The exhibit collection includes:
Documents and Correspondence
Letters, orders, and service records offering insight into their lives and duties.
Photographs and Paintings
Visual representations capturing the faces, places, and moments of their journey.
This curated collection offers a compelling glimpse into the era of the Buffalo Soldiers, honoring their resilience, legacy, and role in shaping American history.
The Major George William Ford Exhibit honors his military service and that of his fellow Buffalo Soldiers. Visitors are invited to explore the stories of these brave Black men, many of whom transitioned from slavery to service, embarking on a journey of discovery, reflection, and understanding. Many of the artifacts from this exhibit are displayed together, illustrating how they were used in various scenarios.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
.jpg)
Artifact 030
Examination Preliminary to Muster-Out of the U.S. Service or Discharge Certificate
Artifact 028
Description, Physical Record, and Enlistment Volunteers (Medical Records) Major George W. Ford
Artifact 027
Military Service Record for Major George W. Ford, dated 1867 (Personnel Records)
Artifact 026
Military Service Record for Major George W. Ford, 23rd Kansas Infantry (Personnel Records)
Artifact 025
The United States of America Oath of Enlistment and Allegiance of George W. Ford
Artifact 024
Enlistment Certificate from the Township of District of Columbia for George W. Ford (front and back)
.webp)
Artifact 032
Spanish American War Muster Rolls for the 23rd Regiment Kansas Major George W. Ford
_page-0002.jpg)
Artifact 042
The cover of the Harper's Weekly Magazine showing a photo detailing the crucial role played by the Buffalo Soldiers during the Spanish-American War.
_page-0001.jpg)
Artifact 043
The cover of the Harper's Weekly Magazine showing a photo detailing the crucial role played by the Buffalo Soldiers during the Spanish-American War.
At the onset of the Spanish-American War in 1898, George Ford made the courageous decision to enlist voluntarily, despite being 50 years old. He was bestowed with the esteemed rank of Major within the Second Battalion of the 23rd Kansas Volunteers.
During that time, Ford cultivated a close personal bond with Teddy Roosevelt, a connection that would later be documented through their exchanged letters conserved in the National Archives.In recognition of his distinguished service and status as the final surviving member of the original 10th U.S. Cavalry, which once comprised 1,225 brave individuals, Major George William Ford’s legacy was rightfully honored.
In 1938, his portrait was ceremoniously placed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, commemorating his enduring contributions to the nation.
Post Military Service
On July 17, 1862, the Federal government authorized the establishment of national cemeteries, marking a pivotal moment in American history. Following his military service, George Ford received a commendation from Colonel Benjamin H. Grierson, who recommended him as Superintendent at Chattanooga National Cemetery in Tennessee on November 9, 1878. This distinction made George Ford the first African American to hold such a prestigious position.Over the course of 53 years, Ford dedicated himself to the solemn duty of overseeing five national cemeteries, leaving an indelible mark on their management and care. His final tenure was at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois, where he faithfully served until his well-deserved retirement in 1930.
George Ford played a pivotal role in the early civil rights movement by serving as the Secretary of the Army and Navy Committee of the Niagara Movement. This organization, founded by W.E.B. Du Bois in 1905, served as the precursor to the NAACP. Additionally, Ford became the first president of the Springfield, Illinois Branch of the NAACP, solidifying his reputation as a prominent civil rights activist in the capital city.
Despite his distinguished civilian endeavors, Ford remained connected to his military roots. He maintained close ties with his former unit, advocating for the well-being of veterans and lobbying for improved mental health services to support their reintegration into society.
After a long and illustrious career, Major George W. Ford passed away at the age of 91. In recognition of his service and dedication, he received a full military funeral and was laid to rest at Camp Butler National Cemetery, where he had served for twenty-five years.
Major George W. Ford's remarkable service has been extensively documented in numerous publications, reflecting his enduring legacy. Notable works such as "On the Trail of the Buffalo Soldiers by Frank N. Shubert, Men of Color to Arms by Elizabeth D. Leonard, and Who Were the Real Buffalo Soldiers by Robert Ewell Greene shed light on Ford's contributions and the broader history of African American soldiers. Additionally, the 2023 mini documentary The Last One Standing further commemorates his impactful journey and the significance of his role in history.
Post Military Service
The Major George William Ford Exhibit aims to honor not only his military service but also that of his fellow Buffalo Soldiers. Visitors are invited to embark on a transformative journey of discovery, reflection, and understanding, delving into the stories of these courageous Black soldiers who transitioned from slavery to service.
MAJOR GEORGE W. FORD
Maj 23RD. Kansas Vol. Infantry
Frontier and Spanish American Wars
Quartermaster Sergeant Troop L. 10th Calvary
1847-1939