Honoring Cathay Williams

Cathay Williams was a remarkable woman who overcame significant obstacles in her life to become the first known African American woman to enlist in the United States Army, serving as a Buffalo Soldier under the name William Cathay.

Born into slavery in Independence, Missouri, in 1844, to a free man and a slave woman, Williams was forced to serve as a house slave on a plantation until the end of the Civil War. There is some speculation that she might have served in the Civil War under a pseudonym, but evidence of this rumor is lacking. What is clear is that following the war, she worked as a cook and laundress for the Army (a custom among so-called captured slaves) and eventually decided to enlist in the Army herself in 1866.

Due to her gender, Williams had to disguise herself as a man to enlist, taking on the name William Cathay. She served in the 38th U.S. Infantry, one of the six all-Black regiments known as the Buffalo Soldiers. Williams served for two years before being discharged in 1868 due to the discovery of her gender.

Despite the challenges she faced, Williams made significant contributions to the Army during her service. She was known for her dedication and perseverance, enduring extreme heat and long marches while on duty. Her determination to serve her country, despite the obstacles in her way, paved the way for future generations of women who also wanted to serve their country.

After her discharge from the Army, Williams worked as a seamstress in Colorado and New Mexico. In 1891, she applied for a military pension, but her application was denied because she had been discharged from the Army on the grounds of being a woman. However, in 1899, she was finally granted a pension due to a law that allowed for pensions to be awarded to Army nurses, which Williams had served as during her time in the Army.

Cathay Williams' contributions to society as a female veteran and Buffalo Soldier are immeasurable. Her bravery and determination in the face of discrimination and adversity serve as an inspiration to all. She paved the way for future generations of women to serve in the military, and her legacy will always be remembered and celebrated.