Cavalry Officer Dress Helmet

This dress helmet was owned and worn by Captain Mason M. Maxon. Maxon served with the 10th US Cavalry Regiment at Fort Davis from 1882-1885. Attached to the helmet are the ornate brass eagle, gold braid cord, and buffalo hair plume typically worn by an officer in dress uniform. All of the enlisted men in the 10th US Cavalry Regiment were of African American descent and later became known as the Buffalo Soldiers. While stationed at Fort Davis, the primary role of the troops was to safeguard the west Texas frontier against Comanche and Apache. They protected travelers, emigrants, freighters, and mail carriers along the San Antonio-El Paso Road.

The Buffalo Soldiers and their officers have become synonymous with the Indian Wars and westward expansion. Without their service, cities like El Paso, Texas and Tucson, Arizona would not be the same today. With the eagle seal of the United States proudly displayed, this item embodies the dedication the 10th US Cavalry had to our nation.