Black History: Cathay Williams

Cathay WIlliams was the first black woman to enlist in the Army in November 15, 1886 and she was the only African­American woman documented to serve in the 19th century.

Women were forbidden to enlist and serve in the U.S. army so she signed up under the name William Cathay. Cathay WIlliams was born September 1844 in Independence, Missouri to a free man and a woman in slavery but legally she was a slave. She worked as a house slave up until she was a teenager when the Civil War led to the Union forces taking over Jefferson City forcing many including Williams to serve in military support roles. While serving in the 8th Indiana she traveled with the soldiers through the south and at one point to Little Rock seeing uniformed black soldiers which ignited her passion to become a soldier. After the Civil War employment for African­Americans was sparse especially in the south so many of them went to the military for jobs, education, and health care. Williams made the decision to sign up for the Army after her friend, and cousin were enlisted. At that time women were not allowed to serve in the military so Cathay enlisted by saying she was a man. She was assigned to the 38th Infantry November 15 1866 making her the first black female Buffalo Soldier. Williams was a soldier for about two years. She contracted smallpox not too long after she enlisted and was hospitalized but when she rejoined her unit in New Mexico the heat, and stress on her body from marching caused complications due to the smallpox. Williams was hospitalized often and after having surgery the doctor found that she was a woman and reported Williams to her commanding officer. Williams was discharged for the Army on October 14, 1868. Cathay Williams died in 1892 her grave site is unknown.