American History Tellers: Buffalo Soldiers | The Last to Leave | Episode 3 Summary

Hosted by Lindsay Graham, American History Tellers delves deep into pivotal moments and figures that shaped America's history. In this episode, the focus is on the Buffalo Soldiers, their unwavering service, and the institutional racism they endured.

1. Introduction

In the third installment of the Buffalo Soldiers series, "The Last to Leave," American History Tellers explores the harrowing experiences of black soldiers in the post-Civil War United States. Through the stories of Johnson Chestnut Whitaker and Henry Ossian Flipper, alongside the broader narrative of the Buffalo Soldiers' campaigns against Native American tribes, the episode illuminates the profound struggles and sacrifices made by these African American soldiers.

2. Johnson Chestnut Whitaker: A Black Cadet at West Point

Timestamp: [00:42] - [10:19]

Johnson Chestnut Whitaker, born enslaved in Camden, South Carolina, became one of the few black cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point after the Civil War. Despite his academic achievements, Whitaker faced relentless hostility from his white peers and superiors.

Key Events:

• 1880 Attack: On April 6, 1880, Whitaker was brutally attacked in his dormitory. Lieutenant Colonel Henry Lazell interrogated him, doubting his account despite Whitaker's detailed description of the assault.

  Whitaker: "Why would anyone want to hurt you? What did you do? I don't know. Nothing."
  [01:47]

• Court of Inquiry: Despite Whitaker's composure and detailed testimony, authorities dismissed his claims, suspecting him of staging the attack to gain sympathy. The court concluded he had fabricated his injuries, leading to his expulsion and dishonorable discharge.

  Narrator: "Whitaker chose the court of inquiry... despite his detailed account, authorities made up their minds that he had staged the incident."
  [08:47]

• Impact: Whitaker's dismissal highlighted the pervasive racism within military institutions, ensuring that he would not graduate and serve as an officer.

3. Henry Ossian Flipper: The First Black West Point Graduate’s Downfall

Timestamp: [10:19] - [16:21]

Henry Ossian Flipper, the first African American to graduate from West Point, faced similar challenges to Whitaker. His journey underscores the systemic barriers that black officers encountered.

Key Events:

• Service with the 10th Cavalry: Flipper served honorably in the 10th Cavalry Regiment, earning commendations for his bravery during campaigns like Victorio's War.

• Embezzlement Charges: In 1881, Flipper was accused of embezzling $1,440 from the commissary funds. Despite evidence of his good character and support from high-ranking officers, he was found guilty of "conduct unbecoming an officer."

  Flipper's Defense Attorney: "The case was about something more than missing funds... whether it is possible for a colored man to secure and hold a position as an officer in the army."
  [15:50]

• Court Martial and Aftermath: Flipper was dishonorably discharged, a decision upheld by President Chester Arthur despite procedural flaws. His experience mirrored Whitaker's, emphasizing the limited opportunities for advancement and equality for black officers.

4. The Role of Buffalo Soldiers in the Indian Wars

Timestamp: [05:30] - [17:19]

The Buffalo Soldiers, comprising the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments, played a crucial role in the U.S. government's westward expansion, often clashing with Native American tribes resisting displacement.

Key Highlights:

• Combat Against Apache Warriors: The Buffalo Soldiers engaged in relentless warfare against Apache leaders like Victorio and later Geronimo, navigating harsh terrains and enduring constant threats.

  Narrator: "On unforgiving desert terrain, they fought against skilled Apache warriors determined to resist displacement."
  [05:30]

• Notable Figures: Soldiers like Moses Williams and Lieutenant George Burnett exemplified the bravery and tactical prowess of the Buffalo Soldiers, earning accolades such as the Medal of Honor for their valor.

  Narrator: "Moses Williams led repeated flanking attacks, rallying his fellow troopers to regroup and keep fighting."
  [21:38]

5. Geronimo and the Final Apache Resistance

Timestamp: [16:21] - [25:35]

Geronimo, a renowned Apache leader, became the symbol of Native American resistance against U.S. expansion. His prolonged campaigns against the Buffalo Soldiers epitomized the fierce determination to preserve indigenous lands and lives.

Key Events:

• Leadership and Campaigns: After multiple relocations and resurrections from captivity, Geronimo led raids across the Southwest, showcasing extraordinary stamina and strategic acumen.

  Narrator: "Geronimo could march 70 miles during a night fight all day and appear no more weary than an ordinary man after an ordinary day's labor."
  [24:02]

• Surrender: In August 1886, after years of pursuit, Geronimo surrendered, marking the end of significant Apache resistance. However, this surrender led to the exilic relocation of many Apache families, furthering their suffering.

  Narrator: "The army put thousands of soldiers into the field to hunt them down... Geronimo finally surrendered in exchange for the promise that he and his people would be allowed to return to Arizona after a period of exile in Florida."
  [25:30]

6. The Wounded Knee Massacre

Timestamp: [28:14] - [34:05]

The Wounded Knee Massacre remains one of the darkest chapters in American military history. The 9th Cavalry, alongside the infamous 7th Cavalry, was instrumental in suppressing the Ghost Dance movement among the Lakota Sioux.

Key Events:

• Tensions Rising: The spiritual Ghost Dance movement promised a utopian future for the Lakota, alarming white settlers and military officials.

• Massacre Details: On December 29, 1890, soldiers surrounded a Lakota camp at Wounded Knee Creek and indiscriminately opened fire, killing up to 300 Lakota, including women and children.

  Narrator: "The soldiers surrounded a Lakota camp and opened fire, killing as many as 300 Lakota."
  [32:49]

• Aftermath: The massacre effectively ended organized Native American resistance, but it also highlighted the brutal measures employed by the U.S. Army to enforce conformity and suppress indigenous cultures.

7. Continued Service and Segregation of Buffalo Soldiers

Timestamp: [34:05] - [40:24]

Despite their exemplary service, Buffalo Soldiers continued to face systemic racism and limited opportunities within the military and society at large.

Key Highlights:

• Assignments to Prestigious Posts: In 1891, Major Henry secured an assignment for the 9th Cavalry’s K Troop to Fort Myer, Virginia, earning praise from the Army and Navy Journal for "the death of prejudice against Blacks in the army."

  Lt. Col. Henry Lazell: "Sir, Stop wasting time, soldier. Get them moving. Yes, sir."
  [27:23]

• Endurance of Segregation: Despite accolades, black and white soldiers remained segregated for decades, with Buffalo Soldiers often relegated to menial tasks despite their contributions.

• Legacy and Continued Struggles: The Buffalo Soldiers participated in subsequent conflicts, including the Spanish-American War and World Wars, yet their fight for recognition and equality persisted until the Army's desegregation in 1948 under President Harry Truman.

  Narrator: "Buffalo Soldiers were among the first National Parks Rangers... Despite the Journal's optimism, black and white soldiers would be kept segregated in the military for another 50 years."
  [34:55]

8. Conclusion

The episode of American History Tellers sheds light on the paradox faced by Buffalo Soldiers: unwavering dedication to their country juxtaposed against relentless racial discrimination. Figures like Whitaker and Flipper symbolize the broader struggles of African American soldiers striving for dignity and recognition amidst institutionalized racism. Their stories are a testament to resilience and highlight the enduring quest for equality within the military and American society.

Join us in the next episode as Lindsay Graham interviews Lt. Col. Rory McGovern, an associate professor in the Department of History at West Virginia University, discussing the first Black cadets at Old West Point.