Henry Ossian Flipper (21 March 1856 - 3 May 1940) was an American soldier, former slave, and the first African American to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1877, earning a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army.

Henry Ossian Flipper's 'The Colored Cadet at West Point - Autobiography of Lieut. Henry Ossian Flipper' is a groundbreaking memoir that provides a unique perspective on the challenges faced by African Americans in the military during the late 19th century. Flipper's literary style is straightforward and candid, allowing readers to glimpse into his personal struggles and triumphs. The book is a significant piece of African American literature, shedding light on the institutional racism and discrimination prevalent at the time. Flipper's narrative offers a firsthand account of his experiences as the first African American to graduate from West Point. His story serves as an inspiration to future generations, highlighting the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. Overall, 'The Colored Cadet at West Point' is a compelling and thought-provoking read that contributes to our understanding of American history and the ongoing struggle for racial equality.

Published in 1878, this is the autobiography of Lt. Henry Ossian Flipper, the first black man to graduate from West Point Military Academy.

"The following pages were written by request. They claim to give an accurate and impartial narrative of my four years' life while a cadet at West Point, as well as a general idea of the institution there. They are almost an exact transcription of notes taken at various times during those four years."

Senator Albert Bacon Fall, and his later recollections on race and politics in the 1930s.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

When the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment stormed Fort Wagner July 18, 1863, only to be driven back with the loss of its colonel, Robert Gould Shaw, and many of its rank and file, it established for all time the fact that the colored soldier would fight and fight well.