United States Colored Troops Memorial Statue (Lexington Park, Maryland) facts for kids
Photo by Potomac Sun Photography
The United States Colored Troops Memorial Statue is a special place that remembers over 700 African-American soldiers and sailors. These brave men were from St. Mary's County, Maryland and fought for the Union during the American Civil War.
You can find this memorial in Lexington Park, Maryland. It was finished and opened to the public in 2012.
The memorial has an educational display with written information about the soldiers. It also highlights two amazing African-American men from St. Mary's County, William H. Barnes and James H. Harris. Both of them earned the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military. A picture of William H. Barnes is part of the display.
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History of the Memorial and Soldiers
The service of USCT soldiers and sailors was vital to the success of Union forces in the war and would ultimately contribute to the liberation of all enslaved peoples of St. Mary's County and the United States as a whole. It would also lead to the preservation of the Union and the extension of its founding principles to all of its citizens.Photo by Potomac Sun Photography
The story behind the United States Colored Troops Memorial is an important part of American history. It honors the courage and sacrifice of many people.
African-American Soldiers and Sailors
During the Civil War, about 700 African-American soldiers from St. Mary's County joined the Union side. Many of these men had bravely escaped slavery to fight for freedom. There were also many free Black citizens from the county who joined, often farmers. White soldiers from the county also served.
How Soldiers Were Recruited
The Union Army set up special places in St. Mary's County to recruit soldiers. They offered freedom to enslaved people who volunteered to serve. Many risked severe punishment from slave owners to escape and join the army. Many free African Americans, who often worked as farmers, also signed up. White residents from the county also enlisted. Together, their service helped free all enslaved people in St. Mary's County and across the United States. It also helped keep the country united.
Medal of Honor Heroes
Two African-American men from St. Mary's County, William H. Barnes and James H. Harris, were heroes in the war. Before the war, they were both free farmers. They both volunteered to join the Union Army. They fought bravely in a major battle called the Battle of Chaffin's Farm. For their actions, each was given the Medal of Honor. They served in the 38th United States Colored Infantry regiment, alongside other men from St. Mary's County, including many who had escaped slavery.
Dedication of the Memorial
The memorial was officially opened in 2012. The ceremony was led by Congressman Steny Hoyer, who was a very important leader in the U.S. House of Representatives. Other officials from St. Mary's County and the nearby Patuxent River Naval Air Station also attended. Many historians, archaeologists, and members of the public came to honor the soldiers.
Juneteenth Celebrations
Every year, a special Juneteenth celebration is held at the memorial. Juneteenth is a holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States.
