Henry Flipper — born a slave in Thomasville in 1856 — became the first Black man to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, and to lead the Buffalo Soldiers of the ...

In early 1878 Flipper was posted to Fort Sill as the first black commander of Troop A, 10th Cavalry, under commander Nolan. Prior to Flipper taking command, all-black units were led by white officers.

Flipper described his challenges at the Academy in this autobiography, which includes a portrait of him in his West Point cadet’s uniform. He later supervised surveying and construction projects in ...

Born a slave in Thomasville in 1856, Flipper became the first Black man to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, and to lead the Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry.

Flipper, the first African-American to command African-American troops, had been credited with serving in the 10th Oklahoma Cavalry, rather than the 10th U.S. Cavalry.