Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Ethan Allen, 1909-1913

In July 1909, the 10th U.S. Cavalry arrived at Fort Ethan Allen for a four-year assignment. Nicknamed the “Buffalo Soldiers” during the American Indian Wars, the 10th Cavalry was one of the first peacetime all-black regiments established in the regular U.S. Army after the Civil War. Highly decorated and famous for their professionalism and contributions during the Spanish-American War in Cuba, the 10th Cavalry became popular with the local community, hosting many performances, parades, and sporting events. After the 10th Cavalry suffered heavy losses in Arizona during a skirmish with Mexican troops in 1916, residents of Winooski expressed their grief in a condolence letter to the regiment’s leader.