Utah Historians Spotlight Buffalo Soldiers’ Legacy
SALT LAKE CITY — A comprehensive effort has been launched to highlight the often-overlooked history of Black soldiers, known as buffalo soldiers, who served in Utah after the Civil War. Ian Wright, director of the Utah Cultural Site Stewardship Program, leads this initiative, which kicked off in 2023. The program has created the Buffalo Soldier Heritage Trail, marking significant sites related to these soldiers. Scheduled events are set for Friday and Saturday at various historical sites, featuring public talks and driving tours to promote awareness.
Wright noted that about a quarter of all African-American soldiers in the western United States during this period were stationed in Utah, primarily between 1878 and 1901. While some history is preserved at sites like Fort Douglas and Carbon County, much has remained unexamined. “Not only is it a military story, it’s an American story,” said Wright, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of their experiences, which included both military duties and racial discrimination.
Collaborating with local organizations and scholars, the Utah Cultural Site Stewardship Program has also made this rich history accessible online and through audiobooks, ensuring that it will not be forgotten.
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