Pineville, LA (5/27/2024) — Nestled in the tranquil expanse of Alexandria National Cemetery, the final resting place of over 3,000 United States Colored Troops (USCT) offers a poignant reminder of a significant, yet often overlooked, chapter in American history.
A placard at the cemetery tells the story of these brave soldiers, particularly highlighting those from Louisiana who played pivotal roles during and after the Civil War.
The USCT, established in 1863, was a regiment of African American soldiers who fought valiantly for the Union. Comprising former slaves, freedmen, and even some free blacks from the North, these troops were crucial in the Union’s victory.
By the end of the Civil War, the USCT made up about 10% of the Union Army with over 175,000 soldiers. Louisiana alone contributed approximately 24,000 men, making it one of the highest-contributing states.
Louisiana’s USCT units were notable for their significant engagements in major battles, such as the Siege of Port Hudson, where their bravery under intense fire helped secure Union control of the Mississippi River. Despite facing severe discrimination and often being assigned the most dangerous tasks, these soldiers’ contributions were indispensable.
A dark chapter in the history of African American military service is also memorialized at Alexandria National Cemetery. The placard recounts the events following the Brownsville Affair of 1906, involving the all-black 25th U.S. Infantry Regiment. Stationed at Fort Brown near Brownsville, Texas, these soldiers faced rampant discrimination and violence from the local townspeople.
On August 13, 1906, a violent incident resulted in the death of a bartender and the wounding of a police officer. Despite lacking evidence, the soldiers were blamed, and all 167 enlisted men were dishonorably discharged without trial.
In the aftermath, the War Department decided to close Fort Brown and relocate the remains interred at Brownsville National Cemetery, a site established during the Mexican-American War and designated a national cemetery in 1867. In 1909, a contractor exhumed more than 3,000 remains, transporting them via five freight-train cars to Alexandria. These remains, including those of the USCT soldiers, were reinterred in Section B of Alexandria National Cemetery, with unidentified remains placed in a mass grave marked by a group monument near the flagpole.
The placard at Alexandria National Cemetery serves as a crucial educational tool, revealing the rich history that lies within our own backyards. It underscores the sacrifices and contributions of African American soldiers who fought not only for the Union but also for their own freedom and dignity. Their legacy is preserved in the hallowed grounds of this cemetery, where history speaks through the silent stones and placards, urging us to remember and honor their valor.
