In the early 18th century, Black cowboys were the only cowboys in the West. That's because white men didn't want to do the work. We're telling their story.
The rich holdings of Cornell University Library support Cornell scholarship and attract researchers from all over the world. These rare and distinctive collections (lovingly referred to as “RAD” collections) also resonate deeply with the library’s own staff – speaking to their interests and passions and often evoking personal recollections.
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As we recognize Black History Month across our community and our nation, thanks to Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History week, a precursor to Black History Month, I would like to call your attention to two ladies and a few black men of the old West who are a bit obscure in U.S. history.
The first being Pvt. Cathay Williams, who joined the Army for a three year enlistment as a man, in 1867 as Pvt. William Cathay. It was a time when all women were prohibited from joining the military. While the records are unclear, apparently, the Army was such need or haste for soldiers to support the expanding west of the Mississippi River post civil war, a normal military physical was over looked. Pvt. Cathay Williams was a large woman, 5 feet, 8 inches and weighing about 160, short hair and very physically fit in appearance.