Cathy Williams Buffalo Soldier

Presents a biography of Cathy Williams, African American and only woman ever to disguise herself as a man, join, serve in the Buffalo Soldiers, and succeed against all odds.

Women in the United States military have received more recognition than ever in recent years, but women also played vital roles in battles and campaigns of previous generations. Cathy Williams served as Pvt. William Cathay from 1866 to 1868 with the famed Buffalo Soldiers who patrolled the 900-mile Santa Fe Trail. Tucker traces her life from her birth as a slave near Independence, Missouri, to her service in Company A, 38th U.S. Infantry, one of the six black units formed following the Civil War. Cathy Williams remains the only known African American woman to have served as a Buffalo Soldier in the Indian Wars. Her remarkable story continues to represent a triumph of the human spirit.

Cathy Williams, an unskilled former slave, disguised herself as a man and joined the Buffalo Soldiers, a deception that went unnoticed for years, confirming her as the only female on record to serve in the African-American cavalry unit.

"You'll be swept away by the passion and power of this remarkable, trailblazing woman who risked everything to follow her own heart." – Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author "An epic page-turner." – Christina Baker Kline Named Best Fiction Writer in the Austin Chronicle's "Austin's Best 2018" Named one of Lone Star Literary Life's "Top 20 Texas Books of 2018" The compelling, hidden story of Cathy Williams, a former slave and the only woman to ever serve with the legendary Buffalo Soldiers. “Here’s the first thing you need to know about Miss Cathy Williams: I am the daughter of a daughter of a queen and my mama never let me forget it.” Though born into bondage on a “miserable tobacco farm” in Little Dixie, Missouri, Cathy Williams was never allowed to consider herself a slave. According to her mother, she was a captive, destined by her noble warrior blood to escape the enemy. Her chance at freedom presents itself with the arrival of Union general Phillip Henry “Smash ‘em Up” Sheridan, the outcast of West Point who takes the rawboned, prideful young woman into service. At war’s end, having tasted freedom, Cathy refuses to return to servitude and makes the monumental decision to disguise herself as a man and join the Army’s legendary Buffalo Soldiers. Alone now in the ultimate man’s world, Cathy must fight not only for her survival and freedom, but she also vows to never give up on finding her mother, her little sister, and the love of the only man strong enough to win her heart. Inspired by the stunning, true story of Private Williams, this American heroine comes to vivid life in a sweeping and magnificent tale about one woman’s fight for freedom, respect and independence.

Cathay Williams was an African-American soldier who enlisted in the United States Army under the pseudonym William Cathay. She was the first Black woman to enlist, and the only documented woman to serve in the United States Army posing as a man during the American Indian Wars The unforgettable true story of Cathy Williams, the first and only female Buffalo Soldier in history, is timeless and important on many levels. Cathy's personal odyssey has provided us with a host of valid life lessons about what it takes to succeed in life then and today - perseverance, ingenuity, willpower, and determination. Most importantly, the Cathy Williams story has filled key gaps in the annals of Women's, Buffalo Soldier, Frontier, Military, African American, and "Old West" history, while presenting an inspiring example for people, especially young women, in the twenty-first century. What Cathy Williams accomplished in succeeding against the odds has provided us with a notable testament to the triumph of the human spirit. This timely book presents an insightful personal narrative about a remarkable woman who was a true pioneer of the "Old West". Buy this book to know more about Cathy Williams' Life.

Cathy Williams, a former Missouri slave, became the first black female to serve in the United States Army when she enlisted in the 38th United States Infantry at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, on November 15, 1866. In the clever disguise of a man, Private William Cathay?her official enlistment name?served in the ranks of Company A, 38th United States Infantry, for nearly two years as a Buffalo Soldier. This is the unforgettable story of Cathy Williams in her own words.