You almost can't drive in Cheyenne without thinking about or seeing something related to General "Blackjack" Pershing. What was it that made him so popular here?

Here are 5 facts about the famous general, who stayed here in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

  1. Alsatian Family - His family was originally Alsatian, which is an area in northeast France. The original spelling of his last name was 'Pfirsching.'
  2. A Teacher - In 1877, there was a depression and to help out with the family finances, John Pershing taught at a Negro school in Laclede, Missouri.
  3. A Professor - He also taught at the University of Nebraska, in 1891, as a military science professor. He also studied law in Lincoln, Nebraska.
  4. Military Promotion - When Pershing was just a captain, President Theodore Roosevelt jumped him over 862 senior officers and promoted him to Brigadier General in 1906.
  5. Why The Nickname "Black Jack?" - None of the cadets really cared for Pershing when he was a 'rigorous' instructor at West Point. He earned the title of "Black Jack" for his dark demeanor.

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