During the Revolutionary War, Black soldiers they assigned loyalty to the British or Patriot cause based on the prospect of freedom. Some joined the Connecticut Line in the Continental Army and what became the Rhode Island Regiment, although not all such enlistments by enslaved men were voluntary. Examples of Black regiments within the British army show up during the early years of the war in the northern states, and during the Southern Campaign in 1780-81, but the primary task of military-age Black men in this force was not to fight in the army, but to serve as support staff for it.

Midway through the Civil War, the U.S. War Department issued General Order No. 143, establishing the United States Colored Troops (USCT), enabling more than 178,000 Black men to fight for liberty, a figure representing approximately 10 percent of all federal armies. “Freedom,” wrote Union General Benjamin Butler, “will be theirs by the sword.”

These men, many of whom were former slaves, enthusiastically volunteered to fight in the Union army, and nearly 37,000 gave their lives for the cause. With every engagement they fought in, the USCT time and again proved their mettle, displaying courage under fire and winning glory on the field of battle.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of this nation, our commemoration must honor those who, although not free or full citizens, were still willing to fight and even die for the cause of liberty. 

We can do this by sharing important stories of Black valor and spreading awareness of the underappreciated scope of their contributions. We can visit the locations associated with these important narratives, including by using the Road to Freedom map guide and app developed by the Trust and our partners at Civil War Trails. We can work to permanently protect the battlefield land where Black soldiers fought for freedom — both their own and that of our young nation.