In 1866, Congress passed legislation establishing two cavalry and two infantry regiments, whose enlisted composition was made up of African Americans, to serve in the United States Army. When war broke out in Spain on April 25, 1898, all four African-American regiments were recalled from the West. Arriving in Cuba on June 22,theBuffaloSoldiers participated in the battles of Las Guasimas, El Caney and San Juan Hill, winning six medals of honor for gallantry in action. After the war, three regiments remained on occupation duty while the 10th United States Cavalry was ordered to New York, then to Camp Albert G. Forse in Huntsville, Ala. From October 18 1898 until January 28, 1899, the U.S.10th Cavalry was encamped at this location, hence Cavalry Hills. Today, the memorial honors all African Americans who have served in all of the nation's wars.