Buffalo Soldiers and Early Park Rangers

Buffalo Soldiers, African American soldiers post-Civil War, were among the first park rangers in the U.S., serving in Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks before the National Park Service was established. They protected wildlife, built infrastructure, and maintained peace. Their legacy includes influencing the iconic ranger hat and contributing to the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for equal rights as citizens.

Who were the Buffalo Soldiers named by?

• Union generals

• Spanish explorers

• Cheyenne warriors

• American settlers

What was one of the main tasks of the Buffalo Soldiers in the national parks?

• Building amusement parks

• Mining for gold

• Protecting wildlife from poaching

• Organizing community events

Which national parks did the Buffalo Soldiers help protect?

• Rocky Mountain and Glacier

• Yosemite and Sequoia

• Grand Canyon and Zion

• Everglades and Acadia

What iconic item of the Park Service is influenced by the Buffalo Soldiers?

• The visitor center

• The ranger badge

• The flat hat

• The park map

In what way did the Buffalo Soldiers contribute to the Civil Rights Movement?

• By founding civil rights organizations

• By writing influential books

• By organizing protests

• By serving as early advocates for equal rights

What was a significant challenge faced by the Buffalo Soldiers during their service?

• Lack of training

• Language barriers

• Racial animosity

• Insufficient equipment