29th Colored Regiment Monument facts for kids
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| Location | 41°18′09″N 72°54′13″W / 41.3026°N 72.9035°W |
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| Designer | Ed Hamilton |
The 29th Colored Regiment Monument is a special statue in Criscuolo Park. This park is in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. The monument honors the brave soldiers of the 29th Connecticut Infantry Regiment (Colored). It stands where over 900 Black recruits trained in 1863. A famous artist named Ed Hamilton designed it. He also created the Amistad Memorial in New Haven.
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What is the 29th Colored Regiment Monument?
This monument remembers a very important group of soldiers. They were part of the 29th Connecticut Colored Regiment. This was the first all-Black army group from Connecticut. These soldiers bravely volunteered to fight in the American Civil War.
Why was the monument built?
The monument was built to honor the courage and sacrifice of these soldiers. It reminds everyone of their important role in history. It also shows where they trained for battle. The monument was officially opened in September 2008.
The Story of the 29th Regiment
The 29th Connecticut Colored Regiment was a unique group. It was the first army regiment in Connecticut made up entirely of Black soldiers. More than 900 men joined this group. They volunteered to fight in the American Civil War.
How did the regiment form?
Recruiting for the regiment started in August 1863. The Connecticut General Assembly is like the state's government. They passed a law to create this Black regiment. White officers led these soldiers.
Where did they train and fight?
By January 1864, the 29th Regiment was full. They gathered in Fair Haven, Connecticut in March 1864. The regiment fought in many important battles. One big battle was the Siege of Petersburg in Petersburg, Virginia. This happened from August 12 to September 24. They also took part in other actions in Virginia.
What happened at the end of the war?
The 29th Regiment arrived in Richmond, Virginia. On April 5, 1865, they saw President Abraham Lincoln give a speech. This was a very important moment in history.
