Xplore BSNM Interactive Map

What is it about?

This experience features an interactive map that allows users to navigate to various points in the U.S. West to learn more about the experiences of black troops, also known as Buffalo Soldiers, who served in the U.S. Army during the late nineteenth century. The users’ journey will begin at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and will take them south and west to Texas, Montana, and other locations. In a series of videos embedded in the locations featured on the map, a living historian describes specific events associated with each place. These descriptions offer insight into the daily lived experiences of black soldiers in the U.S. West, including: Soldiers’ duties, experiments with bicycle-mounted troops, tools and machines used in the West, the first woman known to have served with the Buffalo Soldiers, and other events. The artifacts and exhibits featured in this experience are currently on display at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston, Texas. We hope that you will visit the museum when you are able!