The Utah Cultural Site Stewardship program, led by Ian Wright, is on a mission to preserve and illuminate the historical narratives of the state, and they’ve recently made a striking discovery regarding the Buffalo Soldiers.
These two U.S. Army regiments, predominantly made up of African American soldiers, were stationed in Utah from 1878 to 1901, and their significance in the state’s history is finally coming to light.
Ian Wright, who manages the Utah Cultural Site Stewardship, and his colleague Lexi Little, have experienced what they describe as an ‘iceberg’ effect in their historical research.
Every time they dive into one historical narrative, they seem to uncover another layer of rich history beneath it.
The Buffalo Soldiers, named due to their hair’s resemblance to a buffalo’s coat by Native Americans, represent a complex chapter in American history characterized by racial discrimination and segregation.
In the wake of the Civil War, the U.S. Army was mandated to be segregated, leading to the establishment of all-Black regiments, including the 9th Cavalry and the 24th Infantry — the latter stationed at Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City.
The historical context of these regiments is laden with irony; these Black troops were tasked with maintaining peace in a territory largely populated by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a group that itself had faced significant marginalization.
Notably, the narratives intertwined here — both of the Black soldiers and the Latter-day Saints — shed light on nuanced interactions overshadowed by contemporary issues of race and identity.
Despite the prevailing racial tensions of the time, the Buffalo Soldiers’ presence in Utah was marked by relative harmony.
There were no major protests or racial conflicts during their time, which was largely unexpected given the historical backdrop.
According to Ian, “The interaction seems to have worked out just fine.”
The Buffalo Soldiers played substantive roles in bolstering territorial security, reportedly calming tensions with the Ute tribe and defending vital infrastructure such as the train depot in Price from potential threats, including those from the infamous Butch Cassidy and the Robbers Roost gang.
Moreover, the 24th Infantry gained considerable recognition for participating in the Spanish-American War in 1898, famously charging up San Juan Hill alongside Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders, thus contributing significantly to military history.
When these troops returned to Salt Lake City, they were honored with a parade along Main Street, reflecting a moment of respect and acknowledgment that resonates even today.
Ian Wright emphasizes the importance of this legacy, stating, “Not a lot of people know the Buffalo Soldiers were here, but they were everywhere.
Every time we did research, they popped up.”
The Utah Cultural Site Stewardship has taken charge of bringing this narrative to the forefront by establishing a Heritage Trail that marks the locations of significance tied to the Buffalo Soldiers, spanning an impressive 475 miles across the state.
Their efforts extend to creating a dedicated website — tinyurl.com/bshtstorymap — that delves deeply into this underexplored segment of history.
Additionally, they have developed an audiobook narrated by Doug Wright, a local media figure and Ian’s father, available at tinyurl.com/bsht-audiobook.
Through these initiatives, the project aims to ensure that the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers is preserved and celebrated for future generations.
Ian summed up the essence of their work: “Our job is to safeguard all 13,000 years of Utah history.
This was a gap, and we filled it.”
As more people learn about the Buffalo Soldiers and their contributions to Utah’s history, the hope is that their story will receive the recognition it rightfully deserves.
image source from：deseret
