On July 28th, 1866, Congress allowed black soldiers to enlist for the first time ever in a peacetime Army. About 12,000 black veterans who had fought during the Civil War, and were already soldiers searching for jobs, signed up not knowing the battles that lie ahead. ⁠⠀ The all-black, newly formed, 9th and 10th Cavalries protected unsettled lands as pioneers moved westward. The 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers were actually based locally in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The all-black regiments of soldiers, who became known as the "Buffalo Soldiers", were fighting to obtain the freedom they had never known, while the Apache Indians were fighting to hold on to freedom they always had...Although the war against slavery was over, enslaved people were far from free. ⁠⠀ There are several theories as to why this nickname was given to them by the Native Americans, but it is said that the soldiers adapted the new name as a sign of respect and honor. ⁠⠀ In memory of all who lost their lives during this...