Iron Riders

The Story of the 25th Infantry Regiment Bicycle Corps

Learn the history of the "Iron Riders," an all-Black unit which, in 1897, embarked on an epic ride of more than 1,900 miles from Missoula, Montana to St. Louis as part of a U.S. Army experiment to determine the effectiveness of moving troops by bicycle. Presented by historian Kevin Smith, park/historic site specialist with Missouri State Parks. Co-sponsored by Local Motion. Adults and teens.

Learn the history of the "Iron Riders," Buffalo Soldiers who rode bicycles from Missoula, Montana to Forest Park, St. Louis in 1897. This was a military test to see if bicycles could replace horses in military troop movements. The group of Black soldiers made the 1,900 mile trek in 41 days riding fixed gear bicycles on railroad ties and game trails.

Presented by Kevin Smith, nationally recognized historian and park/historic site specialist with Missouri State Parks.

Co-sponsored by Local Motion, a Columbia, Missouri grassroots advocacy organization focused on transportation equity.

Adults and teens.

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