Montgomery in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
The Capital City Guards
1885 - 1905
At the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Capital City Guards, commanded by Capt. Abraham Calvin Caffey, helped form Co. A, Third Alabama Volunteer Regiment. Although Alabama's black regiment never saw foreign duty, it remained in service longer than any other volunteer unit in the state.
The Capital City Guards was the only black militia unit remaining in service in Alabama after the Spanish-American War, remaining on detached service until it was disbanded in 1905. After the demise of the Capital City Guards, over 60 years would pass before Alabama would again admit African Americans into its National Guard.
Erected 2001 by Alabama Historical Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, Spanish-American. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1885.
Location. 32° 22.643′ N, 86° 18.345′ W. Marker is in Montgomery, Alabama, in Montgomery County. Marker is at the intersection of Dexter Avenue and South Lawrence Street, on the right when traveling east on Dexter Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 244 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery AL 36104, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Chris’ Hot Dogs (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Naval Heroes of the War of 1812 (about 300 feet away); The E. L. Posey Parking Lot (about 400 feet away); Bill Traylor (about 400 feet away); Montgomery's Slave Depots / Montgomery's Slave Traders (about 500 feet away); Montgomery County Circuit Court / Sit-Ins and Marches at the Montgomery County Courthouse (about 500 feet away); A County Older Than the State (about 500 feet away); Fred David Gray (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Montgomery.
Also see . . . Black Militias in Alabama. (Submitted on March 21, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2014, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 787 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 9, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 2. submitted on January 13, 2014, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 3. submitted on October 9, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.