Current Exhibit
Adversity to Equality:
The Journey of the African American Mounted Soldier
The Civil War was a defining moment in United States history, changing perceptions
about African Americans that had been present for centuries. With the Emancipation
Proclamation of 1863, Lincoln paved the way for the end of slavery. Unprecedented
numbers of African Americans were recruited to serve in the Union Army. By
the end of the war, over 180,000 African Americans had donned the blue uniform
and fought for their freedom.
Shortly after the Civil War, Congress authorized the formation of the 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 38th, 39th, 40th and 41st Infantry Regiments, six all black units. The four infantry regiments later merged and formed the 24th and 25th Infantries, and were comprised of former slaves, freemen and African American Civil War soldiers. These soldiers were responsible for escorting settlers, cattle herds, and railroad crews. The units also conducted campaigns against Native American tribes on a western frontier that extended from Montana in the Northwest to Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona in the Southwest. Throughout the era of the Indian Wars, approximately twenty percent of the U.S. Cavalry troopers were African American, and they fought in over 177 engagements. Their combat prowess, bravery, tenaciousness, and looks on the battlefield, inspired the Native Americans to call them Buffalo Soldiers. Many believe the name symbolized the Native American's respect for the Buffalo Soldiers' bravery and valor.
Buffalo Soldiers, down through the years, have worn the name with pride earning numerous accolades for their service in the Indian Wars, the Spanish American War, the Philippines, and the Mexican Campaign. However, with the advent of Plessy vs. Ferguson in 1896, the Army began to adopt the segregation laws prevalent within the rest of American society. Despite these barriers, African American soldiers continued to serve the nation faithfully in World War I and World War II. In 1948, President Truman declared the Army officially desegregated and the last African American regiment was fully integrated in 1954 by the end of the Korean War. Today, the Army is rightly viewed as an organization that promotes fairness and equality, regardless of race or creed.
Stevens T. Norvell, Captain 10th Cavalry, ~1880’s.
Photo credit: Fort Davis National Historic Site
African American regiments had difficulty finding white officers to serve in their units, yet there was a core group of officers who willingly served with these regiments for the majority of their career. Stevens T. Norvell was such an officer.
Born in Michigan on February 14, 1835, he was one of five sons of Michigan Senator John Norvell, himself a native of Danville, Kentucky. In January of 1858, Stevens enlisted in the 5th U.S. Infantry and was assigned to Company A. During the Civil War he was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant with the 13th U.S. Infantry Regiment. President Abraham Lincoln signed his commission.
In 1871, he transferred to the Cavalry branch, joining the 10th U.S. Cavalry Regiment as commander of Company M. During his tenure with the 10th Cavalry, he spent years leading his company against the Indian threat in the southwest, participating in several actions before finally being promoted to major in March of 1890.
With the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, the 10th Cavalry was deployed to Cuba where, as commander of the 1st Squadron of the 10th Cavalry, Major Norvell lead his four companies of African American cavalrymen up San Juan Hill, where he earned a commendation. He was 64 years old at the time. After this historic battle for San Juan Hill, Lieutenant Colonel Norvell was placed in command of the 9th Cavalry Regiment.
The Norvell Lincoln Commissioning Document
Translated text:
THE
PRESIDENT of the United States of AMERICA
To all who shall see these presents greeting.
Know Ye that reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity, and abilities of Stevens (Stephens)* T. Norvell. I have nominated and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate do appoint him Second Lieutenant in the Thirteenth Regiment of Infantry. in the service of the United States: to rank as such from ninetieth day of February eighteen hundred and Sixty three. He is therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Second Lieutenant by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging.
And I do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under his command to be obedient to his orders as Second Lieutenant. And he is to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as he shall receive from me or the future President of the United States of America, or the General, or other superior officers set over him according to the rules and discipline of war. This Commission to continue in force during the pleasure of the President of the United States of America for the time being.
GIVEN under my hand at the City of Washington this Twenty fourth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Sixty three and in the eighty seventh year of the Independence of the United States.
By the President.
Abraham Lincoln
Edwin M Stanton
Secretary of War
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