A new exhibit, Extraordinary Valor: The Lost History of the Buffalo Soldiers in Monterey, opened in June at the Presidio of Monterey Museum. This permanent exhibit honors the history of the Black soldiers of the 9th Cavalry during the Spanish American War at the turn of the 20th century.
Known as the Buffalo Soldiers, the 9th Cavalry, established during a time of racial segregation in the military, arrived in Monterey in November 1902. During their two-year stay, they trained new recruits as well as horses. During the summer of 1904, the 9th Cavalry rode to Yosemite National Park where they created the first marked National Park trail.
The exhibit consists of photographs, uniforms, a map, a sword, a facsimile of a newspaper article, and more. Come learn more about these remarkable men. Museum hours are Saturday and Sunday, 9am-4pm.
The Presidio of Monterey Museum is located at 76th Artillery Street & Corporal Ewing Road, Bldg. 113 in Lower Presidio Park. The Park can be found above Pacific Street at the Lighthouse Avenue curve as you drive from the Lighthouse District towards Downtown Monterey.
This post is adapted from Jordan Leininger's article entitled, "Presidio of Monterey Museum's New Exhibit - Extraordinary Valor: The Lost History of the Buffalo Soldiers in Monterey" which first appeared in the City of Monterey's City Focus Magazine, Summer 2023.
