In the spring of 1865, with the Civil War finally over, American lawmakers began to debate whether Black soldiers would have a permanent place in the peacetime Army. Some 180,000 Black men had fought in the Union ranks, but never before in the nation’s history had they been allowed regular status in the armed forces. In the West, white settlers were clashing with Indian tribes who were determined to protect their land and lives from aggression. Soon, Congress would authorize six new Black Army regiments to support America’s westward expansion. Hundreds of Black men answered the call and set off for remote outposts on the frontier, searching for opportunities denied to them in civilian life. They became known as the first buffalo soldiers.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to American History Tellers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-history-tellers/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts and experience American history like never before. Imagine it's dawn on Christmas Day, 1866, in Williamson County, Tennessee. You ease the door of your cabin closed and gingerly step onto the frosty ground, hoping you don't wake anyone inside.
Christmas is the one day a year that your mother sleeps in, and the last thing you want is to have to explain yourself. But as you reach the edge of the yard, a noise stops you in your tracks. You turn around to see your younger brother, John, rubbing his eyes as he emerges from the cabin.
Where are you going? None of your business. Go back to bed. If you don't tell me, I'm going to wake Mom. Fine. I'm going to Nashville. To do what? To enlist in the Army. The Army? In case you hadn't noticed, the war is over. I know the war is over. But they're recruiting black men to go west and fight Indians. I heard about it in town. You? In the Army?
You aren't even tall enough to look over a fence. Who in their right mind is going to let you have a gun? I promise I'm going to send money home. The army pays regular wages. It'll be more than I'm making here, that's for sure. But what about Ma? What about me? I can't stay here and be a sharecropper, working for a man who thinks he still owns me, dying in the field like our old man did.
He gave everything away and got nothing in return. I want something more.
John glances at the bag slung around your shoulders and looks down at the ground and kicks the frozen dirt lost in thought. Finally, he meets your gaze and nods.
Just don't get yourself killed. Ma would never let me hear the end of it. You take care of each other while I'm gone. I'll send money when I can.
You step forward to wrap your arms around him. You can't let him know that you're just as scared as he is. But you can't just waste away on this plantation. You have to be your own man, even if it means risking your life. American History Tellers is sponsored by Hills Pet Nutrition. Every shelter pet deserves a second chance, and you're making it possible for thousands of them every day.
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