Calvert County highlights African American involvement in the Civil War – Southern Maryland News Net

With Juneteenth approaching, Calvert County is proud to honor the remarkable contributions of African American soldiers who served in the United States Colored Troops (USCT) during the Civil War.

The Calvert County Department of Planning, Zoning and Historic Preservation, in partnership with the Calvert Historical Society, leads an ongoing historic preservation initiative to highlight the stories of these unsung heroes who have shaped Calvert County and American history.

Through detailed research using service and pension records, Freedmen’s Bureau records, census data, and historical maps and images, this project brings to light the significant yet often overlooked contributions of African Americans to the country’s history.

Research has already shown the profound impact these individuals had on shaping the community. These men often had to escape slavery to volunteer. They served, they fought, and many returned to establish institutions that remain pillars of our community today: from churches and schools to the living legacies of their descendants. These stories underscore the ongoing influence of African Americans on Calvert County culture and society.

The goal of this initiative is to create a comprehensive and easily accessible database of Calvert County African American soldiers who served in the Civil War to serve as a historical record and resource for descendants and researchers interested in this crucial chapter of American history.

The project represents the county’s ongoing commitment to historic preservation and recognizes the remarkable contributions of people of color to our community. Plans include creating a user-friendly platform to make the information collected available to the public and ensure the stories of these American heroes are recognized and remembered.

Residents are encouraged to contribute to this historic effort by sharing any information they have about their ancestors who served in the USCT. Their stories, documents and artifacts can enrich the project and ensure these heroes receive the recognition they deserve.

If you have information you would like to share, please contact the Historic Preservation Service at 410-535-1600, extension 2504, or (email protected).

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