Further Details – An outreach program under Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Buffalo Soldiers bring history to life with stories, costumes and tools. In 1866, Congress formed two new cavalry and four new infantry regiments. (The Army later combined the four infantry units into two.) African-American men would fill these units. At last, African-American citizens could serve as soldiers in the peace-time Army. No one is quite sure where the name “Buffalo Soldiers” came from. One story says that Native Americans thought the black soldiers’ hair looked like buffalo fur. Another story says their name reflected their fierce courage in battle. Wherever it came from, it became the name for all black servicemen. Servicemen and women today consider the name “Buffalo Soldier” to be a badge of honor.