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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.

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Hi Kevin. Great story. Was it Grant's decision to pull back (hide) the USCTs? A decision by one of his subordinates?

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Apr 9, 2022Liked by Kevin M. Levin

Amazing story! I had no idea that Black soldiers fought at Appomattox, and especially in such numbers!

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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.).

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