From the U.S. Army: The Legacy of Henry O. Flipper in the U.S. Army

From the National Park Service: Second Lieutenant Henry Flipper

From the National Archives: Lt. Henry O. Flipper

Henry Flipper begins his journey at West Point. He is the first African American to graduate from the military academy four years later, despite being born into slavery.

Flipper serves on the frontier as the nation's first African American commissioned officer. He leads cavalry troops and designs a drainage system to prevent the spread of malaria. The drainage system, "Flipper's Ditch," is a Black Military Heritage Site. His military career ends abruptly because of controversy. Read more on our source page.

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Henry Flipper

From the U.S. Army: The Legacy of Henry O. Flipper in the U.S. Army

From the National Park Service: Second Lieutenant Henry Flipper

From the Nationa