LIVING HISTORY: The Life of a Buffalo Soldier

There will also be a similar presentation at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 2, at Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center, located 30 miles southeast of Great Sand Dunes.

Buffalo Soldiers patrolled the Great Sand Dunes region from 1876-1879, courageously working to protect both settlers and tribes during a volatile era. Though these segregated Black units faced prejudice from many, Buffalo Soldiers served their country with honor and bravery, and were awarded more Medals of Honor than any other American military unit during that era. Retired US Army Medical Service Corps Officer Terrance Beasley will give a multimedia presentation about the Buffalo Soldiers in the Visitor Center at 11am, followed by an informal time of Q&A and interacting with a tent and other equipment that Buffalo Soldiers would have used in the San Luis Valley. The presentation is free, but regular park entrance fees are in effect.

On Saturday, August 2, Terrance will give a similar presentation at Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center, 30 miles southeast of Great Sand Dunes in Fort Garland.

About Terrance Beasley: While serving honorably in the active military, Terrance became inspired to carry on the legacy of the valiant frontier military (which included at least one woman documented to have served) known as the Buffalo Soldiers, in which he has had an avid interest since childhood. The Buffalo Soldiers played a pivotal role in shaping the American West, yet the history of these courageous soldiers is unknown to many. Terrance has made it his mission to keep the memory of the Buffalo Soldiers alive by raising awareness of their treasured history among various groups and audiences.