Historical Markers of Hillsborough: The Buffalo Soldiers in Tampa Heights

Black U.S. Army soldiers camped in Tampa during the Spanish-American War, before embarking to Cuba

Hillsborough County hosted over 30,000 troops in 1898, prior to their deployment to Cuba during the Spanish-American War. Among them were Black U.S. Army battalions monikered "Buffalo Soldiers."

The Buffalo Soldiers played a role in rebuilding America after the Civil War concluded in 1865. These troops, which were segregated, patrolled the American frontier and managed a portion of western national parks prior to the official establishment of the National Park Service. Buffalo Soldiers were also responsible for guarding the U.S. mail and for building roads and other infrastructure.

Learn more about the Buffalo Soldiers on our Historical Hillsborough page.