The Legendary Story of Cathay Williams, The Only Female Buffalo Soldier
Female Buffalo Soldier, is it even possible? Join me as I unveil the greatness of the heroin and the only Female Buffalo Soldier Cathay Williams.
Cathay Williams
Buffalo Soldier, Cook, Seamstress
September 1944–1893
Birthplace: Independence, MO
Cathay Williams’ father was a free man when she was born. However, her mother was still a slave, making Cathay technically born into slavery.
Cathay is credited as the first Black woman to enlist. She was able to enlist by using the name William Cathay to hide her identity. Women were not allowed to join the US military. According to historical records, she was the only documented woman to serve in the United States Army posing as a man during the American Indian Wars.
Cathay was a Buffalo Soldier who served in the 38th United States Infantry Regiment and worked as a cook at Fort Union, New Mexico. And before later moving to Pueblo, Colorado. Cathay Williams eventually was discovered to be a woman and was discharged. She contracted smallpox while enlisted, and the work took its toll on her body. Consequently, Cathay spent a lot of time hospitalized during her years of duty.
Although other women had been granted disability or pensions for their military service, Cathay was denied any disability compensation. Cathay had a neuralgia diagnosis and diabetes, had her toes amputated, and used crutches to walk. Yet, she would never receive the money she should have for her disability after serving her country.
Although she served her country bravely alongside men, she was never treated fully as the dedicated soldier she was. She was buried in a grave with a wooden marker that deteriorated, making the whereabouts of her actual burial site unknown. However, a small rose garden and bronze bust were created for her in Kansas, and in 2018, a monumental bench was placed at the National Infantry Museum on its Walk of Honor.
She was a wartime hero and another African American trailblazer.
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