Washington in Beaufort County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
African Americans Defend Washington
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 17, 2017
1. African Americans Defend Washington Marker
Prior to formation of 1st N.C. Colored Volunteers, about 100 black men were armed to aid Union forces during the siege of Washington in 1863.
Erected 2016 by North Carolina Office of Archives and History. (Marker Number B-74.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the North Carolina Division of Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.
Location. 35° 32.625′ N, 77° 3.508′ W. Marker is in Washington, North Carolina, in Beaufort County. Marker is at the intersection of West Main Street and Gladden Street, on the left when traveling east on West Main Street. Marker is located on the Washington Civic Center grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 Gladden Street, Washington NC 27889, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Siege of Washington (a few steps from this marker); Hull Anderson (within shouting distance of this marker); USS Picket (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Attack On Washington (about 300 feet away); Havens Memorial Building (about 400 feet away); Daniel G. Fowle
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Also see . . .
1. African Americans Defend Washington. During the siege of Washington in April 1863, Union troops armed African Americans to participate in the defense of the town. The incident is an early example in North Carolina of the shift in U.S. policy towards recruiting African Americans for military service in the Civil War. (Submitted on February 27, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Historical Marker unveiled honoring African-American service members. Community members and local officials gathered at the Washington Civic Center for a ceremony called "African-Americans defend Washington." Speakers discussed the significance of the union army equipping nearly 100 African-Americans with weapons to help defend the city in 1863. (Submitted on February 27, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 17, 2017
2. African Americans Defend Washington Marker (tall view)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 17, 2017
3. African Americans Defend Washington Marker (wide view)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 390 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 27, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
