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Presidio Bus & Walking Tour: Legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers
exploring sf
When?
Friday, May 12
11:00AM - 4:00PM PDT
Where?
In-person
Description
Have you ever wondered, “Who were the Buffalo Soldiers?” Join National Park Ranger Fatima Colindres for an incredible private bus tour with NEXT Village to learn about the Buffalo Soldiers at locations around the Presidio to bring their history to life.
The legacy of African-American participation in the armed forces dates back to our first war. Renowned for their bravery, regiments of “Buffalo Soldiers” were garrisoned in the Presidio during the Spanish-American (1898) and Philippines-American War (1899-1902). The courage of the men of these Black units meant not only valor in the face of physical danger, but also the spirit to stand in service to the United States despite discrimination, segregation, and repressive Jim Crow laws. Buffalo Soldiers also protected parks in the western United States before the National Park Service was created. Hundreds of Buffalo Soldiers remain in the Presidio, intered at the National Cemetery.
On this free bus tour, we'll learn about the legacy of these brave African American soldiers and their connection to our National Parks. Tentative stops:
The legacy of African-American participation in the armed forces dates back to our first war. Renowned for their bravery, regiments of “Buffalo Soldiers” were garrisoned in the Presidio during the Spanish-American (1898) and Philippines-American War (1899-1902). The courage of the men of these Black units meant not only valor in the face of physical danger, but also the spirit to stand in service to the United States despite discrimination, segregation, and repressive Jim Crow laws. Buffalo Soldiers also protected parks in the western United States before the National Park Service was created. Hundreds of Buffalo Soldiers remain in the Presidio, intered at the National Cemetery.
On this free bus tour, we'll learn about the legacy of these brave African American soldiers and their connection to our National Parks. Tentative stops:
- PICK UP LOCATIONS - from either the NEXT Village Office (10:30AM) , the Presidio's Lombard Street Gate (11:15), or at the Presidio Transit Center/Visitor Center (11:30)
- There will be ample time to explore the Presidio Visitor Center or Tunnel Tops park and/or to have a picnic lunch
- National Cemetery (20 min) - visit Buffalo Soldier - William H. Thompkins' Grave (Service, Sacrifice and citizenship)
- Park Police Stables (20 min) - learn about Buffalo Soldiers as the First Park Rangers
- Fort Point (30 min) - Buffalo Soldiers exhibit & explore Fort Point on your own. There are steps (no elevator) to the upper levels of Fort Point, but there is much to see on the ground floor.
- Crissy Field history (45 minutes) - Crissy Field Marsh and Center Building 603 - we will walk around Marsh to look for and learn about birds and Crissy Field's transformation through time.
- DROP OFF LOCATIONS: Crissy Field/Tunnel Tops park near MUNI #30 and #43 stops, OR drop off at approximately 4pm at the NEXT Village office at 704 Filbert.
Please note:
- This is a limited capacity event (25 people). Each person must register separately for this event. Note: If you try to register a guest under your email address and phone number, they will NOT be registered, so make sure they register using their name and contact information.
- Confirmed registrants will receive a mandatory event form to complete prior to event (e.g., pick up location, emergency contact info, etc)
- Tour will require ability to climb several stairs to get on/off the bus and not all of the historic sites we will visit are ADA accessible. If you have mobility restrictions, please contact donna@nextvillagesf.org so we can see how we might accommodate your needs and you can decide if this tour is right for you. Most locations are places you can walk around on your own, so if you are interested in the tour, please contact us in advance so we can try to accommodate you.
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