Historical Markers
Cochran County, Texas
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BUFFALO SOLDIER TRAGEDY OF 1877
Marker Number: 14745
Title: Buffalo Soldier Tragedy of 1877
Location: Morton Memorial Cemetery
Year: 2008
Text: African American troops, known as Buffalo Soldiers, were vital in defending the Texas frontier. On July 26, 1877 Buffalo Soldiers from Co. A of the 10th Cavalry began to pursue a Comanche party. During the pursuit, the Comanches led the troops away from water holes as the expedition traveled throuh Cochran and other counties. After several days without water, Capt. Nicholas Nolan led his dehydrated soldiers and remaining animals back to Double Lakes in Lynn County; they arrived on July 30, having gone 86 hours without water. Several soldiers left camp in search of waater and four died during the expedition: Pvt. John H. Bonds, Pvt. Isaac Derwin; Pvt. John Isaacs; and Pvt. John T. Gordon.
Buffalo Soldier Tragedy of 1877 Historical Marker photo courtesy Mary Helen McKnight
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