UNITED STATES COLORED TROOPS FROM BOTH SIDES HELPED THE UNION WIN


By bblouin
An Soldier in the United States Colored Troops sentry, city 1865.

The impact of slavery continues to be seen in our country and was a central theme throughout the Civil War. However, what sometimes gets misplaced is the fight of Black Soldiers who served to free others and restore our nation. The United States Colored Troops (USCT) wasn’t a single group but rather many different regiments fighting for the Union. Despite fighting for the Union, many troops flying the United States Colored Troops flag also came from the South. Throughout the Civil War, the United States Colored Troops weren’t treated with equality, yet they served admirably and successfully in many different battles. Related read: The Montford Point Marines Were the First Black Marines to Serve

How Many Blacks Served in the United States Colored Troops?

During the Civil War, the United States Colored Troops comprised of as many as 180,000 or more Black Soldiers, forming ten percent of the U.S. Army. They fought in 170 regiments across hundreds of battles, significantly contributing to the war and paving the way for the 13th, 14th, and 15th Constitutional Amendments. Initially, many Black individuals held support roles such as servants, teamsters, and laborers, but some later transitioned to combat roles, such as Sergeant Nimrod Burke. The National Archives house the United States Colored Troops Civil War service records of Union colored troops. Hence, they showcase the different roles and paths to enlistment that Blacks found themselves in. In addition to Blacks in the North looking to fight, escaped slaves who had served the Confederate armies also joined the USCT. Despite challenges, including manual labor and guard duties, numerous Black troops actively participated in combat, earning commendations from their Officers. The enlistment of the first Black troops commenced in 1862 due to the Second Confiscation and Militia Acts, marking the initiation of Black Soldiers' service in the Civil War. In July 1862, General John Phelps began recruiting Blacks for the Louisiana Native Guard militia to reinforce his troops near New Orleans. Later, General Benjamin Butler, concerned about a potential attack on New Orleans, organized three regiments of the Louisiana Native Guards. These regiments, showing loyalty to the Union, retained their Black Officers and were eventually renamed the Corps D’Afrique. They later became the USCTs, specifically the 73rd, 74th, and 75th USCTs. But these are just a few examples. Many other states from both sides, and even the fledgling territory of Colorado, would contribute troops to both the Union Army and Navy. Together, these numbers helped bolster the Union’s ranks, helping them achieve victory in various battles and the war.

Blacks From Both Sides Joined the Cause

Getting Blacks to fight for the Union had its challenges. While the North may not have believed in maintaining slavery, seeing African Americans as equals wasn’t exactly on the docket either. But with the help of a notable abolitionist, legislative support would allow Blacks to fight for the cause. Frederick Douglass wanted to get more Blacks involved in freeing the South. However, it would take lawmakers in the Union to pass the Confiscation Acts and the Militia Act to make it happen. Notably, Douglass wasn’t only looking to have Blacks in the North fight but also encouraged those in the South who were able to pick up arms. The United States Colored Troops Civil War history would find a boost following the Emancipation Proclamation, even from southern states such as South Carolina and Louisiana. Hundreds of slaves would leave the South and join the Union ranks. However, it was ultimately General Order No. 143 that established the Bureau of Colored Troops and designated these units as USCT. As more and more Blacks began to join, even President Lincoln began to realize the significant role Black Soldiers would have in the Civil War. In total, around 180,000 Black Soldiers would end up fighting in the Civil War, including two of Douglass’ sons. To honor their contributions to winning the war, the United States Colored Troops Memorial Monument Statue in Lexington Park keeps their memories alive. Suggested read: How a Wounded Civil War Fighter Invented Coca Cola

The United States Colored Troops Represent Which States?

There were several states involved in the formation of USCTs. However, both Northern and Southern states would contribute to the cause through different means. In many ways, the Union having Blacks from both sides was a critical step in making our nation whole again:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado (territory)
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin

In total, 34 states and one territory (Colorado) would contribute to the United States Colored Troops. Blacks had a major role despite still having inequality thrown in their face while serving. Therefore, the legacy of the USCT is much deeper than a nation becoming whole again. Rather it has ties to the freedoms Blacks now rightfully have today. Read next: John Brown's Raid: The Dress Rehearsal for the Civil War


CONNECT WITH US
VeteranLife Logo

©2024 VeteranLife. All rights reserved.