Paducah in McCracken County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
8th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery
Photographed By Jason Voigt, August 10, 2020
1. 8th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery Marker
Front side
During the Civil War, Paducah was the first city in Ky. where an African American regiment, the 8th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery, was officially organized & credited to the state. Parts of other black regiments also recruited here. Slaves who joined earned their freedom. Paducah also the site of Ft. Anderson, an earthen fort built by Union soldiers.
On March 25, 1864, Confederate troops attacked Ft. Anderson. The fort’s left flank was located near here, and the 8th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery helped repulse the assault. This unit and other African American regiments recruited in Ky. and across the nation helped win the war for the Union.
Erected 2011 by Kentucky Historical Society & Kentucky Department of Highways, presented by the Friends of the 8th. (Marker Number 2361.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Forts and Castles • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.
Location. 37° 5.547′ N, 88° 36.178′ W. Marker is in Paducah, Kentucky, in McCracken County. Marker is at the intersection of North 5th Street and Park Street, on the right when traveling
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Death of Albert Thompson (a few steps from this marker); A Paducah CSA Hero (a few steps from this marker); Fort Anderson (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Paducah-March 1864 (within shouting distance of this marker); Grant's Proclamation (within shouting distance of this marker); Quilt Title: …And Our Flag Was Still There!, 2013 (within shouting distance of this marker); Quilt Title: Corona II: Solar Eclipse, 1989 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Flood Wall / The 1937 Flood (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Paducah.
Also see . . . 8th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery. From ExploreKYHistory.gov, this contains rare photos and an article written by Tim Talbott. (Submitted on August 15, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Photographed By Jason Voigt, August 10, 2020
2. 8th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery Marker
Reverse side
Photographed By Jason Voigt, August 10, 2020
3. 8th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery Marker
In front of Paducah Convention Center
Credits. This page was last revised on August 15, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 353 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 15, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
