Honor Black History Month with events at state parks, River Walk tour

During Black History Month, there are many ways to honor generations of African-Americans and their impact on the U.S. while also spending time outdoors.

Texas State Parks is paying tribute throughout the year with a series of events hosted by Texas Buffalo Soldiers.

The Buffalo Soldiers were monumental in helping the U.S. expand West. Following the Civil War, Congress formed two new cavalry units and four new infantry regiments that were manned by African-Americans. The four infantry regiments were later combined into two.

The 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments served on the Western frontier, from Texas to the Dakotas.

“In later years, Buffalo Soldiers fought in the Spanish-American War and both World Wars. They served their country with strength, courage and determination,” according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Separating units by race came to an end in 1948, thanks to President Harry Truman. Today, men and women of all races serve in these historic regiments.”

Now, the Texas Buffalo Soldier program aims to honor those who served by teaching people about their history.

The program is hosting the following event throughout the year.

• Feb. 11: Celebrating Black History Month at Cedar Hill State Park.
• Feb. 18: Celebrating Black History Month at Brazos Bend State Park.
• Feb. 18: Black History Month hike at Atlanta State Park.
• March 25: Mason Days at The Mason Homestead in Leander.
• Sept. 15: Prairie Palooza: Palo Duro Canyon – Back to the Future at Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
• Nov. 11: Big Country Frontier Day at Abilene State Park.

TPWD states games and activities at the events are free with admission to the park. Click here for more information.

Riverboat Tour

Closer to San Antonio, the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum is hosting a riverboat tour this Saturday, Feb. 11.

SAAACAM launched the tours in 2021 to delve into African-American history as it relates to the center of the city. It starts in La Villita, heads to Museum Reach and the Pearl, and then returns to the heart of downtown.

General admission is $35. Click here to book a spot. The river tour is just one event that SAAACAM is hosting in February. Click here for a full list.

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You can also follow our daily coverage by clicking on our Outdoors page on KSAT.com. If you have questions or comments about the newsletter, reach out at rsalinas@ksat.com.

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Have a great weekend,

Rebecca Salinas