From Slaves to Soldiers and Freedmen to Fighters
"Negro Soldiers." Credit: Library of Congress
United States Colored tROOPS
USCT History
With around 620,000 soldiers' lives lost during the conflict, the American Civil War was far from civil. Even so, the collective determination and valor of United States Colored Troops (USCT) stands as a testament to their bravery, even in the face of discrimination.
"Band of 107th U.S. Colored Infantry." Credit: Library of Congress
The rOLE OF usct in kENTUCKY
During the Civil War (1861-1865), Kentucky was a border state, providing men to both sides—Union and Confederate—during the conflict. Even though portions of the Commonwealth were in a Confederate stronghold with Southern sympathizers, Kentucky still provided many USCT during the Civil War. Researchers across the state will often find that African Americans from their own hometowns served in the war...
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"Petersburg, Virginia. Near view of bombproof in the advance line." Credit: Library of Congress