Unburied Lives: The Historical Archaeology of Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Davis, Texas, 1869-1875

Wilkie's book, "Unburied Lives," challenges the traditional narrative of Corporal Daniel Talliafero, a Black soldier who was shot to death by an officer's wife in 1872, by exploring the overlooked and disparaged documents, architecture, and material traces at Fort Davis, Texas. She highlights the experiences of Black enlisted men and non-commissioned officers, exposing the complexities of post-life, racialized relationships, Black masculinity, and citizenship while challenging the structures and practices of military life that obscured their stories for so long.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: University of New Mexico Press

On the evening of November 20, 1872, Corporal Daniel Talliafero, a member of the segregated Black 9th cavalry, was tragically shot to death by an officer's wife while attempting to break into her sleeping apartment at the military post of Fort Davis, Texas. This incident, as recounted by two white officers, has long been accepted by historians who have retelled the story of Daniel Talliafero, portraying him as the thwarted rapist. However, in her groundbreaking work, Unburied Lives, Wilkie takes a different approach. By delving into the overlooked and marginalized documents, architecture, and material traces, she challenges us to listen to the stories that have been neglected or disparaged.

Wilkie's focus is on Fort Davis, a military post that played a significant role in the lives of Black enlisted men and non-commissioned officers. Through her archaeological accounting, she explores the complexities of post-life, racialized relationships, Black masculinity, and citizenship, while also shedding light on the structures and practices that obscured these men's stories for so long. By carefully examining the artifacts and remains, Wilkie uncovers a rich tapestry of experiences and narratives that challenge our understanding of the past.

One of the key aspects of Wilkie's work is her recognition of the importance of listening to the voices of marginalized communities. She argues that by privileging the perspectives of those who have been historically silenced, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of history. This approach is particularly relevant in the case of Black soldiers, who have often been overlooked or marginalized in traditional historical accounts.

Through her meticulous research and analysis, Wilkie provides a fresh perspective on the lives of Black soldiers serving in the West. She challenges the notion that they were solely victims or heroes, but rather complex individuals with a range of experiences and emotions. By examining their material remains and the contexts in which they lived, Wilkie reveals the ways in which they negotiated the challenges of military life, formed relationships with their peers, and sought to assert their citizenship.

Unburied Lives is a powerful and thought-provoking work that demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary research and the importance of listening to the voices of those who have been historically marginalized. By exploring the complexities of post-life, racialized relationships, Black masculinity, and citizenship, Wilkie provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the past and offers a roadmap for future research and exploration.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780826365675