Coffee Chat: 25th Infantry

This month’s coffee chat is all about the Twenty-Fifth Infantry Regiment (“Buffalo Soldiers”). Assigned to Fort Snelling from 1882-1888, the soldiers and musicians contributed to the rich social and cultural life of the Black communities in the Twin Cities and beyond.

Learn about the Band’s participation in Emancipation Day celebrations throughout Minnesota and Dakota Territory and the social life of the soldiers at Fort Snelling as seen through archeological evidence and contemporary local newspapers. Hear the story of the Bicycle Corps experiment of 1897, in which 20 soldiers rode fixed gear bicycles 2,000 miles across mountains, rivers, rattlesnakes, and mud. The chat will also briefly cover the long history of Black service in the U.S. Army, the patriotism of Black soldiers, and the continuing legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers.

Event is included in regular site admission.

Also check out other Music events in Mendota, Entertainment events in Mendota.