25th Infantry Buffalo Soldiers
The 25th Infantry U.S. Army Bicycle Corps stationed at Fort Missoula, Montana set out across the country on their bicycles in 1896-7. Lt. James A. Moss led the company of black soldiers on several obstacle intensive test runs of the iron two-wheeled alternative to horses for transportation. Their greatest trip covered 1900 miles to St. Louis, Missouri, returning to Missoula by train. The 25th Infantry gained fame and was nicknamed the Buffalo Soldiers.
25th Infantry at Yellowstone in 1896.In 1896 the 25th Infantry rode, walked, and carried their bicycles cross country to Yellowstone Park, 500 miles from their Fort Missoula base. They pose above on Minerva Terrace at the town of Mammoth Hot Springs in a photograph taken and hand colored by Yellowstone’s official freelance photographer F. Jay Haynes (1853-1921). Note that the troops mounted from the left side of the bike, according to the custom for mounting a horse.
Looks like a mixed unit to my eye.
The unit had white officers. I’m guessing that’s who the top guy is. Bottom guy could be mixed race.
To be completely honest I’d put money on most of the unit being white with just a few African Americans. It’d make sense in Wyoming at that time too. How sure are you that it was segregated?
Well I’m convinced - interesting reading thanks
Great read, thanks for the link.
Ever heard of the “one drop rule?”
I think it was renamed the Megan markle rule. But I still think those guys are white
What is the formation that they’re standing on, a frozen waterfall?
Those are travertine terraces, minerals deposited by hydrothermal processes. it says they’re in Yellowstone so I would guess it’s around Mammoth Hot Springs.
Some actor just got arrested for walking on something similar to those. They are very delicate.
Didn’t know there was bicycle units, learn something new everyday I suppose.
Actually super effective oddly. The Japanese smashed the British with them in Malaysia in ww2
Makes a lot of sense for Wyoming actually most of the state makes for a decent bike ride
