African-American soldiers played a decisive role in the US Army on the western frontier during the Plains Wars. First authorised by Congress in July 1866, they were organised into two cavalry and four infantry regiments, which were commanded by white officers. All were quickly nicknamed the 'Buffalo Soldiers' by their Cheyenne and Comanche enemies. These brave soldiers fought many native tribes over the years, including the warriors of Sitting Bull and Geronimo. This book tells the story of these buffalo soldiers who, until the early 1890s, constituted 20 per cent of all active forces on duty in the American West.

Introduction -- Chronology -- Organization -- Campaigning on the central plains, 1867-73 -- Campaigning on the southern plains, 1867-75 -- Campaigning in west Texas, 1875-81 -- Campaigning in New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado, 1876-90 -- Dakota territory, 1880-91 -- Uniforms -- Arms and equipage.