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 9^th where you can travel back in time and see the life of a real Buffalo Solider.

Thanks for speaking with us– Can you tell us a bit about who the Buffalo Soldiers were?

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.

What is the Buffalo Soldier connection to Allensworth?

Tell us a little about Colonel Allensworth and the history of the town.

Colonel Allensworth was a fascinating individual whose contributions to our history reverberate to this day. He was born into slavery, escaped to join the union army and fight for the preservation of the Union, and through grit and determination, became the first African American to reach the rank of Colonel.

Following the Civil War, he continued to defy the odds and lay the foundation for the building of Black communities throughout the country, the first being the town of Allensworth.

The significance of Allensworth is tremendous. The town created a semblance of fairness and equality for a people that would not receive full recognition for at least another 60 years. It is important for people to understand and learn from Allensworth that truly remarkable, almost unthinkable, achievements can be made when you have a dream beyond the limitations that are placed on you.

Amtrak San Joaquins has run special trains to the event for several years now, how do these trains contribute to the memory of Allensworth?

The trains into Allensworth are important in two ways. First, they help people connect to this historically significant town. Public transportation options are critical for society. Amtrak offers such a comfortable ride, is reliable, and affordable particularly with each of the discounts available.

Secondly, taking the train into Allensworth adds to the historical experience of visiting the town. Part of the reason Colonel Allensworth chose this location was because of access to the early rail lines. By taking the train, you get the feeling like you are traveling back in time, just as many of the first settlers arrived.

Will people be able to find you at the upcoming rededication?

They will! I will be representing Buffalo Soldiers in their truest form. You will find me along with my equestrian soldier (horse). We will discuss the equipment we had available, the rules and regulations we followed, and generally what our day-to-day life looked like and what we experienced. The Buffalo Soldiers faced many challenges but were dedicated individuals who overachieved under their current circumstances, just as Colonel Allensworth and the towns settlers did.

I encourage everyone who has an interest in the diverse history of California to visit the upcoming rededication on October 9^th. I encourage everyone to enhance that experience and convenience by taking the Amtrak San Joaquins.