Trinidad in Las Animas County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Cathay Williams
Buffalo Soldier
| | 1844 - ca. 1892 | |
Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, June 21, 2019
1. Cathay Williams, Buffalo Soldier, 1844- CA. 1892 Marker
At a time when the military banned women, former slave Cathay Williams disguised herself as a man and enlisted in the all-Black 38th Infantry in 1866. She served honorably as Pvt. "William Cathay" for nearly two years. Ready to give up army life, she allowed a doctor to discover her secret. She lived in Trinidad during her final years.
Williams was the first known African-American woman to enlist in the U.S. Army and the only known female Buffalo Soldier. Her service represents the contributions of all African-American women who helped settle the West.
Erected by Denver Colorado Chapter Buffalo Soldiers, 9th and 10th Horse Calvary Association, Black American West Heritage and History Center, History Colorado.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Women. In addition, it is included in the Buffalo Soldiers series list.
Location. 37° 10.162′ N, 104° 30.13′ W. Marker is in Trinidad, Colorado, in Las Animas County. It can be reached from U.S. 160. Marker located about 30 feet inside the grounds of the Trinidad
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American Mountain West, on the Great Plains, on the Southern Plains, and on the Santa Fe Trail Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Comancherνa, the Dust Bowl, and the Republic of Texas.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Women & Children's March, 1914 (within shouting distance of this marker); Trinidad History Museum Complex (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Wootton Veterans' Memorial Square (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Replica of the Statue of Liberty (about 600 feet away); The First Stage Stop (about 600 feet away); The Aultman Studio (approx. 0.2 miles away); A Capital of Open Range Ranching (approx. 0.2 miles away); Temple Aaron 1889 (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Trinidad.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. The First (Documented) Black Woman to Serve in the U.S. Army (Atlas Obscura). (Submitted on June 25, 2019.)
2. Female Buffalo Soldier- With Documents (buffalosoldier.net). (Submitted on June 25, 2019.)
3. Cathay Williams (National Park Service). (Submitted on June 25, 2019.)
Additional keywords. Trinidad History Museum
Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2019, by Jerry Klinger of Boynton Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,664 times since then and 56 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on June 25, 2019, by Jerry Klinger of Boynton Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of the marker within its surroundings • Can you help?
