Question

Why did Native Americans give African American cavalry soldiers the name “Buffalo Soldiers”? (Select all that apply.)  (I know that 2 and 4 are correct. Are those the only two?)

1. They killed all of the buffalo on the Great Plains.
2. They were fierce fighters like the buffalo.
3. They fought herds of buffalo for sport.
4. They had dark, curly hair.
5. They wore buffalo-fur jackets in the winter.

Answer 1

4. They had dark, curly hair.

Answer 2

The answer is 2, 4, and 5.

While there is no written documentation of why the name was given, there are three commonly accepted reasons. First, many Native Americans stated that the soldiers’ curly hair reminded them of buffalo fur. Second, in the wintertime, the men wore thick coats made from buffalo hide to keep warm. Finally, the men were brave and fierce fighters, which reminded the Native Americans of the tough nature of the buffalo.