Allensworth: Buffalo Soldier Interview

September 15, 2021

Buffalo Soldier reenactor Trooper David Jones with his equestrian partner.

In advance of the upcoming October 9th Rededication event for the town of Allensworth, the first town to be founded, financed, and governed by African Americans, Amtrak San Joaquins staff had the opportunity to speak with living history Buffalo Soldier reenactor Trooper David Jones. We enjoyed speaking with Trooper David Jones about the unique history and contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers and their connection to the town of Allensworth.

Below are a few excerpts from our conversation with Dave.

Be sure to find Trooper David Jones at the upcoming Rededication festival on October 9th where you can travel back in time and see the life of a real Buffalo Solider.

 

The Buffalo Soldiers were a truly remarkable group of men that first formed in 1866 by virtue of an 1865 congressional bill that recognized the contributions of the nearly 200,000 Black Americans that fought in the Civil War. The Buffalo Soldiers persisted in some capacity all the way up to 1951. The all Black regiments, known as Buffalo Soldiers, went on to serve the nation through the westward expansion, they protected our national parks, they protected the President during visits to California, and they even fought overseas as recently as the Korean War.

Despite the racism the Buffalo Soldiers faced on a daily basis, they served their country and are today a testament to dedication through adversity.

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