Name/Title
Civil War SoldiersEntry/Object ID
1.2.7Description
Many historians talk of the out-sized contribution of Vermont soldiers to the Union cause of the American Civil War. Often lost from that conversation is the great sacrifice made by Black Vermonters, fighting in this war against the institution of slavery. With a black population of only 709 at the outbreak of the war, 152 men volunteered their services - over 20% of the total population of men, women, and children. You won't see their names on rosters of Vermont regiments or cavalry troops as the segregated army restricted black soldiers to specific non-Vermont units.
Black Vermonters from throughout the state joined the United States Colored Infantry Regiments and the 54th and 55th Massachusetts regiments. They came from all walks of life and a variety of backgrounds. Many were generational Vermonters while others were former slaves or children of former slaves.
They served under Grant in the Wilderness, they manned the siege lines of Charleston, they attacked Fort Harrison at Petersburg, they held off Confederate forces after the defeat at Oultsee, Florida, and they were present at Lee's surrender at Appomattox. After the war, they were denied a quick trip home and instead assigned to the swamps of the Texas-Mexico border.
Many troops eventually returned to Vermont while others made lives elsewhere. Black veterans can be found on Vermont Grand Army of the Republic rolls and listed on some town memorials. The linked resources provide specific information on known Black Vermont Civil War soldiers.Relationships
Related Publications
Publication
Men of Color, To Arms!