HOW 187,000 U.S. C0LORED TROOPS HELPED SAVE AMERICA

Amid this tumultuous backdrop, 187,000 Black soldiers and 30,000 Black sailors answered the call to serve in the Civil War, a testament to their courage and dedication to the preservation of the Union. Among them were the author's two great-great grandfathers: Pvt. Lafayette Lewis of Baltimore, who fought valiantly with the Union army, and Pvt. John Henry Barton, known as John Henry Morgan, from York County, Pennsylvania, who served in the 127th U.S.C.T., the last regiment to depart Philadelphia for war. Their sacrifices were echoed by many others, like Sgt. William H. Barton, another great-great uncle, of the 143rd U.S.C.T., who fought with valor in the famous Battle of the Crater. As General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse, he famously remarked to General Grant that he could defeat him once again, should he remove those Black soldiers from the battlefield. This highlights the pivotal role that Black troops played, not just in bolstering the Union’s military efforts but also in reshaping the nation's understanding of freedom and equality.

After the Civil War, many of these courageous Black soldiers were assigned to secure the U.S. southern border at the Mexican frontier, standing against Emperor Maximilian and his French forces. Later, they became part of the beloved Buffalo Soldiers, serving in the 9th and 10th Cavalries established in 1866. Their service reflects an enduring legacy of commitment and sacrifice, laying the foundation for future generations. Understanding this history reveals not only the complexity of America's past but also the vital contributions of African Americans who fought for the nation’s ideals of liberty and justice.