Welcome!

Are you concerned that the ability to teach or learn about African American history is being threatened? Do you worry that some people are trying to diminish or erase the tribulations and contributions of Black men and women in the Civil War era?

As a Civil War War historian, I am particularly troubled that there are those who downplay or dismiss the evidence about the Black soldiers and sailors who risked their lives to help preserve the United States. And that lessons, publications, and online sources include the myth of Black Confederates as somehow equal to the actual contributions by African Americans.

Frederick Pipes - African American Civil War Navy Veteran
Frederick Pipes – Civil War Navy Veteran (photo credit: NARA)

What you will find here:

  • You can read transcribed letters from the African American men who served as soldiers in the United States Colored Troops and as sailors in the U.S. Navy.

  • You can read transcribed letters from Their White Officers, the men who commanded the United States Colored Troops (USCT).
  • And Resources to Learn More includes links to regimental rosters, sites for educators, an extensive list of published sources on the USCT and Black sailors, and a list of online resources.

Do you have a question about something that I have posted? Or do you have information about a specific Black soldier or sailor, African American regiment, or related event that I can add? Please feel free to contact me – I would love to hear from you.

Additional information will be added as I continue to organize my thousands of files, images, and other sources. I have been researching the United States Colored Troops and Black men in the United States Navy for over twenty years. This website is my contribution towards making information about these men as accessible as possible.

You can also subscribe to my Substack page to read more about the African American soldiers and sailors who helped to win the U.S. Civil War.

Thank you for stopping by!