In July of 1909, the tenth cavalry, a regiment made up of 750 African American men, known as "Buffalo Soldiers," arrived at Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester. This week descendants and scholars have gathered for a centennial celebration of the Buffalo Soldiers who served in Vermont.
David Work is a Texas A&M history professor who’s written about Buffalo Soldiers. Reg Wells’ grandfather, Silas Johnson, served in the regiment. Bee McCollum’s grandfather, Willis Hatcher, also served. They speak with VPR’s Jane Lindholm about the history of the regiment, who these men were, what they did, and how they changed the demographics of Vermont.