The Origins of “Buffalo Soldier”

There are two theories on how African-American troops stationed in nineteenth century Arizona became known as “Buffalo Soldiers.” Native Americans called the black troops “buffalo soldiers” because of their dark curly hair, which resembled a buffalo’s coat. The other theory is that the Plains Indians spread the word of a new type of soldier, “who fought like a cornered buffalo.” Either way, the  Buffalo Soldiers were instrumental in helping to make Arizona a state.