I found out today when the work was done during the Depression to build Appomattox Courthouse by the Civilian Conservation Corps many members of that group were men from the 369th Infantry, the Harlem Hellfighters. These African-American Soldiers were scorned by Pershing but welcomed by the French. 70 years after Appomattox Black Soldiers made their mark on the ground there.
I don't know if there was a specific order from off the top of my head, but Maj. Gen. Edward Ord kept his Black troops away from Confederates after their final encounter with Confederates on April 9.
Two years ago, I went to an aunt's funeral in Farmsville, VA. Seems as though the Black people I encountered there are very much aware of this history (I am Black.). But they say that Lee's surrender was done the next day to save grace of White Confederates losing to Black soldiers. I am only an armchair historian but I've learned some time ago how "learned" people invalidate the oral history of Black folks (ex: the recollections of the slave quarters at Mt. Vernon.).
Hi Gary. Thanks for taking the time to comment. You raise an important point. There is no question that the oral tradition and public ceremonies organized by Black communities helped to keep an emancipationist memory of the war alive. I am pleased to see the many ways in which these stories are now making their way into museums, historic sites, and other institutions over the past few decades.
I found out today when the work was done during the Depression to build Appomattox Courthouse by the Civilian Conservation Corps many members of that group were men from the 369th Infantry, the Harlem Hellfighters. These African-American Soldiers were scorned by Pershing but welcomed by the French. 70 years after Appomattox Black Soldiers made their mark on the ground there.
I did not know this. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Kevin. Great story. Was it Grant's decision to pull back (hide) the USCTs? A decision by one of his subordinates?
I don't know if there was a specific order from off the top of my head, but Maj. Gen. Edward Ord kept his Black troops away from Confederates after their final encounter with Confederates on April 9.
Amazing story! I had no idea that Black soldiers fought at Appomattox, and especially in such numbers!
Two years ago, I went to an aunt's funeral in Farmsville, VA. Seems as though the Black people I encountered there are very much aware of this history (I am Black.). But they say that Lee's surrender was done the next day to save grace of White Confederates losing to Black soldiers. I am only an armchair historian but I've learned some time ago how "learned" people invalidate the oral history of Black folks (ex: the recollections of the slave quarters at Mt. Vernon.).
Hi Gary. Thanks for taking the time to comment. You raise an important point. There is no question that the oral tradition and public ceremonies organized by Black communities helped to keep an emancipationist memory of the war alive. I am pleased to see the many ways in which these stories are now making their way into museums, historic sites, and other institutions over the past few decades.