Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Houston

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston, founded in 2000, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in American history, particularly the history of African Americans in the United States Armed Forces. The museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the stories of African American soldiers who served in the U.S. military, including the Buffalo Soldiers.

The museum's exhibits and notable collection of artifacts offer a glimpse into the lives and experiences of these brave men and women, who overcame extreme adversity while gallantly fighting the great American wars. The collection is touted as one of the largest in the world, with military memorabilia dating back to 1770-2000.

Visitors to the museum will be able to learn about the creation of the six all-African American Army units in 1866 through an act of Congress. The units included the 9th and 10th cavalry and the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st infantry regiments, which later reorganized to form the 24th and 25th infantry regiments. These soldiers represented the first Black professional soldiers in a peacetime army, and their recruits came from varied backgrounds, including former slaves and veterans from service in the Civil War.

One of the unique features of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is that it is staffed principally by military retirees who offer their personal stories as part of the tour. This personal touch adds authenticity and depth to the museum experience, providing visitors with a more intimate understanding of the history and significance of the exhibits.