SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The wealthy historical past of the Buffalo Troopers in San Francisco is being dropped at gentle by historian Brian G. Shellum, whose newest guide explores their arrival within the metropolis in 1902.
Shellum, a West Level graduate and retired military officer, has devoted his analysis to the Buffalo Troopers, a bunch of African American troopers who performed a big position in U.S. navy historical past. His work focuses on Charles Younger, the primary Black colonel within the U.S. Military, and the experiences of the ninth Cavalry in California.
“I saw the Presidio for the first time, and I saw where they lived and I saw where they’d, you know, where they were buried. And I just decided I had to write the book,” stated Shellum, explaining his motivation for documenting this historical past.
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The Buffalo Troopers arrived in San Francisco in 1902, marking the primary time a segregated unit was stationed in a serious metropolis. Their presence within the Presidio was a big second in American historical past, as they transitioned from combating in harsh environments at dwelling and overseas to serving as the primary park rangers.
Charles Younger, a key determine in Shellum’s analysis, was a trailblazer for African People within the navy. Because the third West Level graduate, first Black man to realize rank of colonel and highest-ranking black officer till his dying in 1922, Younger confronted vital challenges, together with racial isolation and discrimination, but he persevered to mentor future generations of Black officers.
The Buffalo Troopers’ contributions prolonged past navy achievements. They served because the honorary guard for President Roosevelt’s go to to San Francisco in 1903 and have been instrumental in defending the Nationwide Parks. Their legacy is remembered on the nationwide cemetery in San Francisco, the place over 400 Buffalo Troopers are buried, together with Medal of Honor recipient William Thompkins.
Brian Shellum’s work ensures that the legacy of the Buffalo Troopers continues to be acknowledged and celebrated, highlighting their enduring affect on American historical past. “There’s plenty more work to be done,” Shellum remarked, expressing hope that future historians will proceed to inform these necessary tales.
All info from this text have been gathered by KRON4 journalists. The article was transformed into this format with help from synthetic intelligence. It has been edited and accepted by KRON4 employees.
