Fort Huachuca was a product of the Indian Wars of the 1870's - 80's era. March 1877 Samuel M. Whiteside along with two companies of the 6th United States Cavalry established a camp at the mouth of Huachuca Canyon. This isolated camp had two missions. 1. To protect the settlers in the area. 2. Prevent Apache raiding parties from escaping across the border to Mexico. 1882, the Army made this isolated camp permanent and designated it as Fort Huachuca. 1913 Black Troops of the 10th United States Cavalry "Buffalo Soldiers" arrived at Fort Huachuca and remained almost 20 years! This was the longest assignment of any unit in Fort Huachuca's history. Along with other war time expeditions and campaigns the Buffalo Soldiers were used to guard the United States - Mexico Border. The word Huachuca comes from the Sobaipuri Indian Tribe who used it to describe their village at the base of the mountains. It roughly translates to "Place of Thunder". Some scholars say the translation can mean "Place of Wind and Rain". Both are typical characteristics of the area at different times of the year. Fort Huachuca received the colors of the now inactive 93rd Infantry, The famed Jungle Fighters also known as the Harlem Hellfighters! 2.3 million Blacks registered for the draft during World War 1! The Marines would NOT accept them, the Navy enlisted few of them for menial positions. The Army allowed them but the troops were segregated just as in civilian life. War planners saw this as the most logical and efficient way of managing the presence of African Americans in the US Army.