Iron Riders: The 25th Infantry Regiment Bicycle Corps’ Epic Bicycle Ride

2/20/2024

In June 1897, the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps, an all-Black unit also known as "Buffalo Soldiers," embarked on an epic bicycle ride of more than 1,900 miles from Fort Missoula, Montana, to St. Louis, Missouri. Called "The Great Experiment" in national newspapers, the ride was part of a trial by the U.S. Army to determine the effectiveness of moving troops by bicycle. The route for this experiment closely followed the Northern Pacific and Burlington railroads through Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska and Missouri, and took 41 days to complete.

Join Missouri State Parks interpreter Kevin Smith in the auditorium of the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center for a presentation on this epic journey. Light refreshments will be served from 5:30-6 p.m., and the presentation will begin at 6 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public, and registration is not required. For more information, call 816-759-7313.

Program time: 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Program location: Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Mo.

Click here to read the news release.


Associated activities

  • Interpretive Programs