West Freemason in Norfolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

William Harvey Carney

Sergeant, U.S. Army

— Norfolk Trail of Honor —

William Harvey Carney Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2022

1. William Harvey Carney Marker

Inscription. Sergeant Carney was born a slave in Norfolk and named William. He traveled to Massachusetts through the Underground Railroad. Having escaped from slavery, he met a man named William Carney and assumed his last name so he could serve in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Colored Infantry. He took part in the July 18, 1863 assault on Fort Wagner, SC. He earned his Medal of Honor by saving the American flag and planting it on a parapet and although wounded, holding it while the troops charged.Recognizing the Federal troops had to retreat under fire, Carney struggled back across the battlefield and although wounded twice more, returned the flag to the Union lines. SGT Carney modestly said “Boys, I only did my duty. The old flag never touched the ground.” SGT Carney was the first black soldier to earn the Medal of Honor.

Erected 2015 by City of Norfolk.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 18, 1863.

Location. 36° 50.927′ N, 76° 17.671′ W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. It is in West Freemason. It can be reached from Boush Street (Virginia Route 337) south of

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Brooke Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Marker located just north of Wisconsin Square and south of the Pagoda and Oriental Garden. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Norfolk VA 23510, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Hampton Roads,

specifically in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

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,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Norfolk Trail of Honor (here, next to this marker); USS Norfolk Bell (here, next to this marker); William Henry Barnes (here, next to this marker); Benjamin F. Stewart (here, next to this marker); Thomas Boyne (a few steps from this marker); David D. Barrow and George W. Bright (a few steps from this marker); Douglas MacArthur (a few steps from this marker); Jacklyn “Jack” H. Lucas (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.

Also see . . .
1. William H. Carney. (Submitted on January 31, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Norfolk Trail of Honor. (Submitted on January 31, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2022

2. William Harvey Carney Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 31, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 385 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 31, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.