The regiment was organized on 21 September1866 in New Orleans, Louisiana and was initially commanded by Colonel Edward Hatch. The new recruits were from Louisville, Kentucky. They were veterans of the Civil War. The men enlisted for five years and received $13/month, plus room, board and clothing. Later they were dubbed "Buffalo Soldiers". The regiment's motto was, and remains, "We Can, We Will".
Regiment's service
The first task of the regiment was to maintain law and order in Texas.
On 1 March1933 the 9th Cavalry was assigned to the 3d Cavalry Division.
Second World War
It was relieved 10 October1940 from this assignment and transferred to the 2d Cavalry Division. This move was in readiness for deployment in the Second World War. However, the regiment, as a unit, did not serve in that war. It was decided to transfer the regiment to the Mediterranean so that it could supply soldiers for other units. It was therefore inactivated 7 March1944 in North Africa.
More recent service
The regiment was disbanded 20 October1950 but was reconstituted 1 December1957 in the Regular Army as Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 6th Reconnaissance Squadron, 9th Cavalry.
