Christian Abraham Fleetwood facts for kids
Christian Abraham Fleetwood (July 21, 1840 – September 28, 1914) was an important African American military leader. He served in the United States Army and later in the D.C. National Guard. Fleetwood was also a writer, a musician, and worked for the government. He earned the Medal of Honor for his brave actions during the American Civil War.
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Christian Fleetwood's Early Life and Education
Christian Fleetwood was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on July 21, 1840. His parents, Charles and Anna Maria Fleetwood, were free Black people. This meant they were not enslaved.
Christian received his first education at the home of a wealthy merchant named John C. Brunes. Mrs. Brunes treated Christian like her own son and taught him to read and write. He continued his studies at a special school and even traveled briefly to Liberia and Sierra Leone in Africa. In 1860, he graduated from Ashmun Institute, which is now known as Lincoln University.
After college, Fleetwood started and published a newspaper called The Lyceum Observer. It was one of the first newspapers in the southern United States owned and run by an African American.
Christian Fleetwood's Role in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, it became difficult to travel by ship to Liberia. So, Fleetwood went to Camp Birney in Baltimore. On August 11 or 17, 1863, he joined the Union Army. He became part of Company G of the 4th Regiment United States Colored Infantry.
Because Fleetwood was well-educated, he was made a sergeant when he joined. Just two days later, on August 19, he was promoted to sergeant major. These were important leadership ranks. His regiment fought in North Carolina and Virginia. They took part in battles like the Battle of Petersburg in July 1864 and the Battle of Chaffin's Farm in September 1864.
Bravery at Chaffin's Farm
On September 29, 1864, Fleetwood's regiment fought in the Battle of Chaffin's Farm. This battle took place near Richmond, Virginia, which was the capital of the Confederate States. During the battle, Fleetwood helped lead the left side of his unit as they charged enemy forts.
Two flags were being carried by Sergeant Alfred B. Hilton. One of these flags had been taken from another wounded soldier. When Sergeant Hilton was also wounded, Fleetwood and another soldier named Charles Veale quickly grabbed the flags. They made sure the flags did not touch the ground.
Fleetwood took the American flag and kept moving forward, even under heavy enemy fire. When it became clear that his unit could not break through the enemy's defenses, he retreated. Back at the reserve line, he used the flag to gather a small group of men and continue the fight.
For their brave actions, Fleetwood, Hilton, and Veale were all given the Medal of Honor on April 6, 1865. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military. Fleetwood's award citation simply says: "Seized the colors, after 2 color bearers had been shot down, and bore them nobly through the fight." His Medal of Honor is now kept at the National Museum of American History. Fleetwood also received a General B. F. Butler Medal for his actions in the same battle.
Even though all the officers in his regiment asked for him to become a commissioned officer (a higher rank), the Secretary of War did not approve it. Fleetwood was honorably discharged from the Army on May 4, 1866. He kept a diary in 1864, which describes some of his experiences during the war.
Christian Fleetwood's Life After the War
After the war, Fleetwood worked as a bookkeeper in Columbus, Ohio, until 1867. He then held several government jobs in Washington, D.C. On November 16, 1869, he married Sara Iredell. They had one daughter, Edith.
The Fleetwoods were well-known in Washington, D.C. Many important African Americans of that time often visited their home. In 1889, members of Washington's Black community honored Fleetwood with a special award.
In January 1881, Fleetwood was chosen to be Captain of the Washington Colored National Guard, also known as the Washington Cadets. This group started as one company in 1880. Fleetwood joined as an officer. The Washington Cadets grew to become a battalion with three, then four, companies. It remained an all-Black unit, including its officers.
On July 18, 1887, the Washington Cadets became the 6th Battalion of the District of Columbia Army National Guard (DCNG). Fleetwood organized this battalion and became its commanding officer with the rank of major. The DCNG had seven battalions in total. Four were made up of white members, and three were Black units.
In 1888, Fleetwood helped organize the Colored High School Cadet Corps in Washington, D.C. This group was also known as the Washington High School Cadets. The first company of these cadets was formed at M Street High School, which later became Dunbar High School. Fleetwood was the first instructor for the corps and served until 1897. He helped create a tradition of military service among young Black men in Washington. This tradition led some of them to join the military in World War I.
Fleetwood never returned to active military duty after this. However, many people in Washington, D.C., suggested he should lead the 50th U.S. Colored Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American War. This request was not seriously considered by the War Department.
Fleetwood applied for a pension in 1891. He eventually received it because he became almost completely deaf. This was due to a "gunshot concussion" in his left ear and an illness he got while in the army that affected his right ear. These health problems also prevented him from speaking or singing in public.
Before his deafness became severe, Fleetwood was a choirmaster for several churches. These included the 15th Street Presbyterian Church and St. Luke's Episcopal Church. His musical performances were very successful and supported by the community, including the wives of former presidents.
Death and Legacy
Christian Fleetwood passed away suddenly from heart failure in Washington, D.C., on September 28, 1914. He was 74 years old. His funeral was held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. He was buried in Columbian Harmony Cemetery in Washington, D.C. The First Separate Battalion of the D.C. National Guard served as an escort at his funeral. Many important people from Washington, D.C., were honorary pallbearers.
Fleetwood's remains were later moved to National Harmony Memorial Park in 1959 when Columbian Harmony Cemetery closed. His life showed great courage, leadership, and dedication to his community and country.
Images for kids
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Christian Fleetwood, as Captain of the Washington Cadet Corps (WCC)
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Sergeant Major rank insignia
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Major rank insignia
