Events

Living History: The Life of a Buffalo Soldier

Terrance Beasley, a retired U.S. Army Medical Service Corps officer, will present a multimedia program about the history of the Buffalo Soldiers and their connection to the Great Sand Dunes region. The program will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, in the visitor center at Great Sand Dunes National Park, followed by an informal Q&A session and hands-on exploration of a historical tent and equipment similar to what Buffalo Soldiers would have used in the San Luis Valley.

Buffalo Soldiers patrolled the Great Sand Dunes region between 1876 and 1879, working to protect both settlers and tribal communities during a volatile era. Despite facing systemic racism and segregation, these African American soldiers served with distinction and were awarded more Medals of Honor than any other U.S. military unit of the time.

This program is supported by Western National Parks, a cooperating association for the National Park Service, which also operates the visitor center park store.