History: Racism, Riot and Mutiny in Houston, 1917

Men of the 24th Infantry Regiment

On April 8th, 1916 elements of the 24th United States Infantry Regiment visited the border town of Del Rio, Texas. This all-black unit, veterans of the Spanish-American War and service in the Philippines, was among the soldiers mobilizing for John Pershing's Punitive Expedition against Pancho Villa. Several members of the regiment attempted to visit the local brothel during their leave. The proprietor turned them away, refusing to allow white women, even prostitutes, to ...