The True Story Of Cathay Williams, The First Black Woman To Join The U.S. Army
In 1866, Cathay Williams changed her name to “William Cathay,” disguised herself as a man, and became a Buffalo Soldier. U.S. ArmyA house painting of Cathay Williams . At the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861 , over 400 women disguised themselves in guild to join in the fray . But 17 - year - quondam Cathay Williams , a disgraceful slave , was not one of them ....