Cathay Williams, black Buffalo Soldier

When Cathay Williams enlisted in the army, women were not allowed to serve as soldiers. So, Williams posed as a man and joined Thirty-Eighth Infantry. As a result, she became the first and the only known female Buffalo Soldier.

Williams was born into slavery in Independence, Missouri in 1842.

In November of 1866, she enlisted as William Cathay in the Thirty-Eighth United States Infantry, Company A. She was able to do so because a medical examination was not required. Only her cousin and a friend were aware of her real identity.

Company A, arrived at Fort Cummings in New Mexico on October 1, 1867. At the fort, Williams and her company protected miners and traveling immigrants from Apache attack. While serving, there was insubordination among some of the troops, but Williams was not involved in the incidents.

In 1868, Williams grew tired of military life so she feigned illness. She was examined by the post surgeon who then discovered that she was a woman. She was discharged October 14, 1868.

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