Excerpts from Ken Bell’s article on The Buffalo Soldiers and the Great American West follows:
In the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, a newly reunited nation turned its eyes westward toward the great American frontier. An integral part of the remarkable history of this great struggle, of the victories and defeats, of the suffering endured, and ultimately of the nation that we have become, is the story of the Buffalo Soldiers.
Founded on September 22, 1866 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, the 10th regiment of the US Cavalry, along with its sister regiment, the 9th US Cavalry, were the first all-black peacetime regiments of the US army.
Want to learn more about the Buffalo Soldiers? Come to Riggs Park on Saturday August 23rd for a day of fun, festivities and enlightenment. The 3rd Annual Mid-Kansas Living History Rendezvous celebrates the heritage of the American West with historically accurate participatory events and authentic representatives of the varied people of the frontier, from Buffalo Soldiers to mountain men, cowboys, blacksmiths, schoolteachers, and many, many others. Events include horse rides, buggy rides, handcrafts, chuckwagon meals, dancing and much more.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Selected images from the 2nd Annual Living History Rendezvous follow:
Haysville Library Director Betty Cattrell and Library Board Member Marion Renner
Haysville Community Library 