Cochise County is a special place: still sparsely populated, but full of history and adventure. Here are a few upcoming events that I think will be worth attending: Buffalo Soldiers Tour; Bisbee Home Tour, and Bisbee Festival of Lights.
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What? Guided tour about the history and accomplishments of Fort Huachuca Buffalo Soldiers conducted by the Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers.
Where? Fort Huachuca at Sierra Vista
When? November 17th between 1 and 3 PM
More Info: 520-417-6960 or 800-288-3861
After the Civil War, the U.S. Army formed regiments of Negro men, most of whom were former slaves, and many of whom had served in the United States Colored Troops (U.S.C.T.). The cavalry units were the 9th and 10th Cavalry, and the infantry were the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st which several years later were consolidated into the 24th and 25th infantry units. Black infantry troops often fought side-by-side with the black cavalry.
These African-American soldiers were called “buffalo soldiers” by the Plains Indians. No one today is quite certain why. Some say it was because the men were as rugged as buffalo and others say that it was because the Indians saw a resemblance between the Black soldier’s hair and the buffalo’s shaggy coat. It has also been pointed out that many Black soldiers favored long buffalo-robe coats. Although the name was primarily applied to the cavalry, it was sometimes extended to include the Black infantry.
After the Civil War, Blacks faced horrific discrimination. Some men enlisted to escape hopeless poverty and gain a certain respect, even though they were segregated from White troops. The Buffalo Soldiers fought in the Plains Indian Wars, the Apache Wars, the Spanish-American War, and The Punitive Mission against Mexico ordered by President Wilson and led by General John Pershing. Pershing had earned his nickname, ‘Black Jack,’ by leading Black regiments early in his career.
By all accounts, these Black regiments distinguished themselves in service to their country, despite being given inferior horses and equipment.
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What? Annual Bisbee Historic Home Tour.
Visitors will see the miner’s shacks and other buildings that have been restored and decorated with Bisbee residents’ unique style. Ten homes, Saint Patrick’s Church and the Bisbee Woman’s Club building are featured on the tour.
Bisbee Festival of Lights
Also, Bisbee kicks off the holidays with its Festival of Lights all day Friday, Nov. 23 at City Park in historic Brewery Gulch. Live music, dancers, food, a craft fair, during the day, and the lighting ceremony that evening. Kids’ activities include an ornament-making class from 10 a.m. to noon and a decorating party from noon to 2 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 24. Main Street will feature a “Small Town Holiday” with free horse-drawn wagon rides, carolers, window decorating contest, raffles and shopping until 8 p.m.
Where? Old Bisbee
When? November 23rd & 24th 9 AM to 4 PM
Cost? $15 for adults, children 12 and under FREE.
More Info: Bisbee Visitor Center at 520-432-3554 or 1-866-224-7233, www.DiscoverBisbee.com
Other Featured Homes
- “The Doll House,” a 1916 miner’s shack that and has been lovingly redone by the present owner. It’s a cozy 638-square-foot home with an eclectic combination of vintage shabby chic and Bisbee flair.
- A Mission-style bungalow built in 1915 during the Mexican Revolution and World War I. It features original woodwork and leaded glass in its inner entry door.
- A home built in the early 1900s as a miner’s shack. Much of the structure is made from mine timbers and 2” x 12” mine platform boards.
For our Bisbee Dining Recommendations, click HERE. Bisbee has several very good restaurants, including Santiago’s Mexican; Rose’s Little Italy, Hazel’s Table 10, and Cafe’ Roka.
For our Lodging Recommendations, click HERE. We particularly like Joy Timber’s Calumet & Arizona Guesthouse B&B in the Warren District, and the Eldorado Suites Hotel on OK Street overlooking Brewery Gulch in Old Bisbee.
