How did Buffalo Soldiers get their name?

According to the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, the name originated with the Cheyenne warriors in the winter of 1877, the actual Cheyenne translation being "Wild Buffalo." However, writer Walter Hill documented the account of Colonel Benjamin Grierson, who founded the 10th Cavalry regiment, recalling an 1871 campaign against Comanches. read more

The official unit names of the Buffalo Soldiers were the 9th and 10th cavalry and the 38th, 39th, 40th and 41st infantry regiments. The four infantry units were reorganized in 1868 as the 24th and the 25th infantry. The name “Buffalo Soldiers” has become interesting lore in itself. There seem to be three possible reasons for the name. read more

The origin of the name "Buffalo Soldier" is unclear, It seems certain that the name was first used by Comanche and Southern Cheyenne in Indian Territory ( Oklahoma) where the regiments were first posted, they got their name because they hair was rough like a buffalo's hide. read more