Talbot’s African American Men in Combat

Subtitle:  They Fought with Valor and Distinction

Union commanders were initially skeptical over how African Americans would hold up in battle. Many who had been enslaved had little experience with firearms nor could they read or write.  Time and time again the USCT soldiers proved their mettle, exhibiting great valor, courage and a ferocious fighting spirit.  During the war 16 USCT soldiers earned the Medal of Honor and gained the respect of their commanders and White soldiers alike.

Black soldiers along with their White officers were subjected to significant risks. The Confederacy never recognized Black soldiers as legal combatants and Blacks were often executed or returned to slavery if captured.  On April 12, 1864, Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forest attacked 600 Union troops, half of which were USCT, at Fort Pillow Tennessee.  After the Union forces surrendered nearly 300 of these soldiers were massacred the majority of which, close to 200, being African Americans. This massacre did not deter Black troops from serving the Union Army and “Rember Fort Pillow” became a rallying cry for our USCT soldiers.

Over 600 Black men from Talbot County served in Maryland’s USCT regiments and a significant number served in the U.S. Navy as well. Black recruits mastered soldiering skills quickly, gaining many compliments regarding their competence in drill, attention to detail and pride in their appearance in uniform.  During camp, the officers taught their men to read and write, thus their service in the Union army became their pathway to literacy.

  Talbot County Blacks participated in major battles in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina throughout 1864-65, to include the battles to capture Petersburg and Richmond.  Talbot County Blacks participated in the final battles which defeated Gen. Robert E. Lee’s army and were present when Gen. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse.