Frontier Army 1865-1885
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This was not the case among troopers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry and 24th Infantry, who occupied a number of posts throughout Texas. Although 6 regular regiments of black troops had been raised by the U.S. government during the Civil War, they had been reduced to four after the conflict, with three of these being sent to Texas. These “Buffalo Soldiers” as they came to be called, were commanded by white officers, although 3 black junior officers were eventually posted to these units. These soldiers, many of whom were former slaves took great pride in their service, posting desertion rates much lower than all white regiments. Early critics claimed that the Buffalo Soldiers would be failures as fighting men. They performed admirably in Texas, fulfilling their duties with dignity and courage. Over time, they proved their mettle as fighting men, though true equality would be a long time coming.

Activities and Operations - Although troops in post-Civil War Texas were expected to fulfill constabulary duties, they soon came to conduct military operations on a much larger scale than was the case during the antebellum period. With elements of the Comanche and Kiowa tribes joining with others in signing the Medicine Lodge Treaty in 1867, troops in Texas began concerted efforts to move the remaining Indian holdouts to reservations. By 1868 nearly 6000 federal troops would operate within the state, though the numbers would decline thereafter. Operations in Texas culminated in the Red River War of 1874-75, where the last remaining Indians agreed to be removed to Indian Territory. Troops remained in Texas from that point forward, with their presence making a profound impact upon the Texas economy that continued until the rpesent day.

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