Charleston in Kanawha County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

45th US Colored Infantry

Photographed by Shane Oliver, August 8, 2021

1. 45th US Colored Infantry Marker

Inscription. Two companies of this regiment, consisting of 212 African American soldiers, were credited to WV. The men were recruited in Philadelphia in 1864, with several identified as born in WV, and fought at Chaffin's Farm, New Market Heights, Hatcher's Run, Fair Oaks, Petersburg, and the Appomattox campaign. Sent to Texas in May 1865, they mustered out and were discharged in December 1865.

Erected 2016 by West Virginia Archives & History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1865.

Location. 38° 20.207′ N, 81° 37.061′ W. Marker is in Charleston, West Virginia, in Kanawha County. It is on Kanawha Boulevard East 0.1 miles east of Greenbrier Street (U.S. 60), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1620 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston WV 25311, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Slavery in West Virginia (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The 35th Star (about 500 feet away); State Capitol (about 500 feet away); Executive Mansion (approx. 0.2 miles away);

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The Ruffners (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Kanawha Riflemen (approx. 0.2 miles away); Limestone • Sandstone • Silica (approx. 0.2 miles away); Coal (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Kanawha Riflemen (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . . 45th United States Colored Infantry Regiment. Excerpt:

The regiment was formed in 1864, and was composed of men who had been born as free men and others who had been formerly enslaved, but had been freed prior to their enlistment with the Union Army and the USCT. The primary states of residence of the men who fought with this regiment were New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

(Submitted on September 23, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 31, 2021

2. 45th US Colored Infantry Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 487 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 12, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on August 4, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.