The regiment came into existence by virtue of an act of Congress approved by the President in July of 1866, and published in General Order 56 on August 1, 1866. In a letter of instruction dated August 13, 1866, Major General P.H. Sheridan, then commanding the Department of the Gulf with headquarters at New Orleans, La., was authorized to raise and organize one regiment of colored cavalry "to be designated the Ninth Cavalry." For more information visit www.9thcavalry.com