Colored Soldiers Monument in Frankfort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Colored Soldiers Monument in Frankfort
|
|
 |
|
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| Location | Frankfort, Kentucky |
|---|---|
| Built | 1924 |
| MPS | Civil War Monuments of Kentucky MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 97000701 |
| Added to NRHP | July 17, 1997 |
The Colored Soldiers Monument in Frankfort, Kentucky is a special memorial. It stands in Green Hill Cemetery, where US 60 and US 421 meet. This monument honors the brave black soldiers from Kentucky who fought in the American Civil War. It is the only monument in Kentucky built just for them. It is also one of only four like it in the entire United States. A group called the Women's Relief Corps No. 8 put it up. They unveiled it on July 4, 1924.
Contents
History of the Monument
Kentucky's Black Soldiers in the Civil War
During the Civil War, Kentucky had special laws. These laws meant black people could not join the army until March 1, 1864. After that, many joined. Over 23,700 black Kentuckians became part of the Union Army. This was a big help, making up one-third of Kentucky's soldiers for the Union. When these soldiers joined, they became free.
These soldiers often guarded important places. But they also fought in battles, mostly in Tennessee and North Carolina. After the war, some even went to Texas. They helped stop France from trying to take over Mexico. Only the state of Louisiana sent more black troops than Kentucky.
About the Monument Itself
The monument was built in 1924. It is a simple pillar made of limestone. It stands 10 feet tall and has four sides. Its base is made of concrete.
The front of the monument has a special message. It says: "In Memory of the Colored Soldiers Franklin County, Kentucky Who Fought in the Civil War 1861-1865." Around the column, you can find the names of 142 black soldiers. These soldiers were from central Kentucky. We know it cost "several hundred dollars" to build. It was officially dedicated on July 4, 1924, at 4 p.m.
National Recognition
On July 17, 1997, the Colored Soldiers Monument in Frankfort received an important honor. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes places that are important to American history. The monument was one of 60 different memorials from the Civil War in Kentucky to be added at that time. Another monument in Frankfort, the Confederate Monument in Frankfort, is also on this list. It is about one mile away in Frankfort Cemetery.
Gallery
-
West side
-
View from cemetery road
-
View from US-60
-
Interpretive marker describing the monument
