George P. Norton and the Legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers: The Founding of Tampa's Masonic Jerusalem Military Lodge No. 100

Written by Rough Ashlar with research assistance from ChatGPT

The Buffalo Soldiers were a legendary unit of African American soldiers who served in the United States military during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They earned their nickname from the Native Americans they fought against in the Indian Wars, who called them "buffalo soldiers" due to their curly, black hair resembling a buffalo's mane. The Buffalo Soldiers made history as the first African American soldiers to serve in the United States Army, and their legacy has lived on to this day.

One of the most prominent members of the Buffalo Soldiers was George P. Norton, a man who would go on to leave a lasting impact on the history of the unit and the African American community. Norton served in the 9th Cavalry Regiment of the Buffalo Soldiers, and he was known for his bravery, dedication, and leadership on the battlefield. But it was his involvement with the Buffalo Soldiers that would cement his legacy for generations to come.

Norton was a Freemason, a fraternal organization that was popular among soldiers during his time. He believed that the principles of the organization, such as charity, brotherhood, and moral values, were just as important to the African American community as they were to any other group. With this in mind, he set out to create a Masonic lodge specifically for African American soldiers.

In 1891, Norton and a group of fellow Buffalo Soldiers founded the Tampa Masonic Jerusalem Military Lodge No. 100. The lodge was created to provide a space for African American soldiers to come together, share their experiences, and support one another both on and off the battlefield. The lodge quickly became a hub of activity for African American soldiers in the area, and it was soon recognized as one of the most prominent Masonic lodges in the country.

The impact of the Tampa Masonic Jerusalem Military Lodge No. 100 cannot be overstated. It provided a much-needed sense of community and belonging for African American soldiers, who often faced discrimination and racism in their daily lives. The lodge served as a place where they could come together and feel proud of their achievements, both as soldiers and as members of the African American community.

But the significance of the lodge went beyond just providing a sense of community. It was also a symbol of the strength and resilience of the African American community, and it helped to break down barriers and combat stereotypes.

George P. Norton, one of the Jerusalem lodge’s early leaders, served as doctor to the Buffalo Soldiers, The Jefferson County native moved to Tampa in 1903 to establish one of the city’s first Black medical practices.He also owned a pharmacy, founded the Central Industrial Insurance Co. and purchased land that he sold to Black residents.

Other lodge members during those pioneering times, according to news archives, included J.W. Crump, who helped Black businesses obtain necessary licenses; E. Dorsey, who registered Black voters; and Peter Johnson, whose Florida Industrial and Commercial company sold caskets, served as undertakers and owned Zion Cemetery, the Black burial ground that was erased and recently rediscovered.The lodge was a support system. At meetings, they’d discuss what needed to be done to improve life for Black residents.Lodge leaders would then gather with the heads of the area’s other Black Masonic organizations and work as a unit to address the larger issues

The legacy of George P. Norton and the Buffalo Soldiers continues to live on to this day. The Tampa Masonic Jerusalem Military Lodge No. 100 still exists, and it remains a symbol of the strength and resilience of the African American community. The Buffalo Soldiers are remembered as trailblazers and heroes, and their impact on the United States military and society as a whole cannot be overstated.

In conclusion, George P. Norton was a true visionary, and his involvement with the Buffalo Soldiers and the creation of the Tampa Masonic Jerusalem Military Lodge No. 100 have left a lasting impact on history. The lodge continues to serve as a symbol of the strength and resilience of the African American community, and the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers will always be remembered as a testament to the bravery and dedication of African American soldiers in the United States military.