Buffalo Soldier Hat

Item

Object Title
Buffalo Soldier Hat
Object ID
AR_0003_04_0001
Created By
US Military
Date
1866
Owned By
Florida A&M University Meek-Eaton Southeastern Regional Black Archives Research Center and Museum
Medium
Fabric, Cloth, Metal
Dimensions
L:13in x W:7in
Description
The Buffalo Soldier hat, also known as a Stratton hat, is a distinctive military hat with a wide brim that can be shaped to either side. It is typically made of felt or other sturdy material and features a tall, creased crown.
Special Notes
African American soldiers were allowed to enlist in the regular peacetime army of the United States for the first time at the end of the Civil War. Many of the new regulars had fought as United States Colored Troops during the war. By 1869, four African American regiments—the 9th and 10th Cavalry, the 24th and 25 Infantry—had been dispatched to the western frontier wars. Their duties were not limited to fighting Indians, who first called them "buffalo soldiers." In garrison, they drilled, stood guard, and maintained horses, barracks, weapons, and equipment. In the field, they patrolled harsh terrain in every extreme of weather, built or rebuilt army posts, strung telegraph wire, and escorted settlers, cattle herds, and railroad crews.
Placed Used
United States
Collection Title
Benjamin French Collection
Collection ID
AR_0003
Topic
Blacks in the Military, War, Segregation, Civil War, Revolutionary War, National Parks, Expeditions
Credit Line
Courtesy of the Meek-Eaton Black Archives/ Benjamin French Collection
Restrictions and Rights
All rights reserved. The use of any part of these objects and photographs transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, or stored in a retrieval system without the prior written consent of Meek-Eaton Black Archives is an infringement of the copyright law.
Photograph Rights Holder
Photo Rights and Courtesy Reserved to Meek-Eaton Southeastern Regional Black Archives Research Center and Museum. RIGHTS TO USE THESE IMAGES WITHOUT EXPRESSED WRITTEN CONSENT IS SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT LAWS AND INFRINGEMENT (c)2024
Spatial Coverage
en On Display
Location
Blacks in the Military Gallery