American Revolution

American Revolution

Stories of War American Revolution When open warfare broke out between Americans and Britain in 1775, leaders such as George Washington opposed the enlistment of Black soldiers. However, they enlisted and were accepted and served. An enslaved man named Prince (later,...
War of 1812

War of 1812

Stories of War War of 1812 As was the case during the Revolutionary War, the status of Black soldiers and sailors during the War of 1812 was unclear, and their service not well documented. Nevertheless, they served. The Army and most states did not accept Black...
American Indian Wars

American Indian Wars

Stories of War American Indian Wars In 1866, Congress established six all-Black regiments for peacetime work. Black soldiers who stayed in the military after the U.S. Civil War served in the 9th and 10th Cavalry regiments, and in the 38th, 39th, 40th and 41st Colored...
Mexican War

Mexican War

Stories of War Mexican War Even when service in the armed forces was prohibited, Black people risked their lives working in support of their country’s fighting men. In fact, Black Americans were likely “part of every contingent of American troops” in the Mexican War,...
Civil War

Civil War

Stories of War Civil War In 1861, Black people felt the Civil War was a fight for the end of slavery. Yet they could not enlist. “This is no time to fight only with your white hands and allow your black hands to be tied,” Frederick Douglass asserted. Though barred...