In the decades following the Civil War, scores of African Americans served in the U.S. Army in the West. The Plains Indians dubbed them buffalo soldiers, and their record in the infantry and cavalry, a record full of dignity and pride, provides one of the most fascinating chapters in the history of the era.

Our speaker, MICHAEL N. SEARLES teaches history at Augusta (Georgia) State University. Among other article-length publications, he contributed a chapter to Black Texas Cowboys. He has conducted many demonstrations and historic reenactments on the black cowboy, and as "Cowboy Mike" has brought Western history to life for students in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and colleges.