African Americans serve valiantly in the military in many different ways including Buffalo Soldiers of the Western Frontier and across the Country. On July 28th, 1866 Congress established six all black regiments to support westward expansion protecting pioneers, interfacing with Native Americans and cattle poachers. Many of these soldiers also served as some of the first care takers of the National Parks! While these soldiers didn’t serve at Springfield Armory they used Trapdoor Carbines that were manufactured here.

To learn more about these historic Soldiers visit the NPS Website below.