African Americans in the Civil War

Gabriel Young was Charles Young’s father. He was born enslaved in Kentucky in 1841. He enlisted in the Federal Army on February 13, 1865. He was assigned to the Fifth U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery. After the war he and his family settled in Ripley, Ohio. He died of tuberculosis on June 16, 1894, at the age of 53.

Sergeant William H. Carney, a self-liberated man, enlisted to serve in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment in 1863. His brave actions during the battle of Fort Wagner made him the first African American man to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Father to internationally renowned poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar.

Hubbard Pryor was photographed at the time of his enlistment in the 44th United States Colored Troops.

David Imes was born around 1840 in Pennsylvania. Born free, he was the eldest son of John and Elizabeth Imes. In 1863, while he was in Ohio, Imes registered to fight in the Civil War. He served as a Private with Company K, with the 5th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment United States Colored Troops (USCT). Following his time in the Colored Troops, Imes moved to Joyfield Township, Benzie County, Michigan. Here, he married his wife Emaline and filed for a homestead claim.

A moment of freedom becomes a lifetime of service – and a mystery. From his escape on the Planter with Robert Smalls to a long history of military service, learn Gabriel Turner's story in this article.

Peter Hunt was born enslaved in 1844, on the plantation of Captain Henry Hunt, in Amite County, Mississippi. Peter Hunt’s homesteading legacy was lost to his family for over six decades, except for a picture on the wall of his great-niece. They now know how he went from being enslaved to being a land owner.

Corporal Robert Sutton was color bearer for the 1st South Carolina Volunteers organized in Beaufort South Carolina. But during the course of his military service, he carried the American flag back to the plantation where he was enslaved before the war.

From enslaved individual, to Civil War soldier, to Mammoth Cave guide, Will Garvin led a notable life.

Eli George Biddle enlisted in the historic 54th Massachusetts Regiment. Wounded at the Battle of Fort Wagner, Biddle recovered and returned to service. As one of the oldest surviving veteran of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, Biddle served his country and community in many ways over the course of his life.

The 54th Massachusetts Regiment, the first regiment of African Americans from the North to serve during the Civil War, bravely assaulted Battery Wagner in Charleston Harbor. Their bravery increased Northern efforts to enlist African Americans. By war's end, over 180,000 African Americans fought in the US Army, roughly 10% of the fighting men.

The 28th Regiment of U.S. Colored Troops was one of the troops attached to the Defenses of Washington. This regiment of infantry was established on November 30, 1863 by Indiana Governor Oliver P. Morton. Reverend Willis Revels of the African American Episcopal Church was the chief recruiting officer. The recruits trained for three months and on April 25 1863, six companies of the 28th left Indianapolis for Washington, D.C. where they were attached to the capital’s defenses.

During the Civil War, men of African descent fought to preserve the nation they helped create and extend freedom to enslaved people. Black infantrymen in the 25th United States Colored Troops (USCT) carried freedom's banner into northwest Florida. From Pensacola Bay, the 25th helped save the Union, end slavery, and prepare for a new future.

Organized in October of 1862, the 2nd Louisiana Native Guards was mustered into service and initially all but one of the company officers were considered men of color. Colonel Nathan Daniels was in command and the enlisted men signed up for three years of infantry service. Recruits varied in age from 17 to 56 and in experience including skilled tradesmen like cigar makers, masons, coopers, printers, slaters, and engineers.

The 54th Massachusetts Infantry operated in and around Beaufort, South Carolina for much of the summer of 1863.

When the 54th Massachusetts arrived in South Carolina, their story intersected with that of famed underground railroad conductor Harriet Tubman. Their shared journey illuminates questions about gender roles and the nature of warfare.

On July 18th, 1863, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment led the charge against the Confederate held Fort Wagner. Witnesses referred to the fighting as some of the worst in the war and commended the 54th for their valor in the face of insurmountable odds.

Sergeant William H. Carney Jr. enlisted in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment, and became the first African American recipient of the Medal of Honor for his brave actions during the battle at Fort Wagner. Respected around the nation, he dedicated the rest of his life to family, community, and public service.