On the morning of April 9, 1865, Confederate general Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia was cut off from its last route of escape at Appomattox Court House. That didn’t prevent him from making one final attempt to break through Union lines in hopes of reaching Lynchburg and eventually linking up with Joseph Johnston’s Confederate army in North Carolina.
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.
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.).
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.
Hi Kevin. Great story. Was it Grant's decision to pull back (hide) the USCTs? A decision by one of his subordinates?
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.).