West Freemason in Norfolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
William Henry Barnes
Private, U.S. Army
— Norfolk Trail of Honor —
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2022
1. William Henry Barnes Marker
Inscription.
William Henry Barnes. Private, U.S. Army. Private Barnes worked as a farmer in St. Mary’s County, MD before enlisting in the Army. He was mustered into service in Norfolk on February 11, 1864. He was assigned to Company “C”, 38th United States Colored Infantry Regiment. At the battle of Chaffin’s Farm, VA on September 29, 1864, Barnes’ regiment was among a division of black troops assigned to attack the center of the seasoned and entrenched Confederate forces at New Market Heights. The attack was met with intense Confederate fire. Over fifty percent of the black troops were killed, captured or wounded. Pvt Barnes was awarded the Medal of Honor for being “among the first to enter the enemy’s works; although wounded.” His medal was issued on April 6, 1865 and he was promoted to Sergeant three months later. It is believed that SGT Barnes was the first black soldier to physically receive the Medal of Honor.
Private Barnes worked as a farmer in St. Mary’s County, MD before enlisting in the Army. He was mustered into service in Norfolk on February 11, 1864. He was assigned to Company “C”, 38th United States Colored Infantry Regiment. At the battle of Chaffin’s Farm, VA on September 29, 1864, Barnes’ regiment was among a division of black troops assigned to attack the center of the seasoned and entrenched Confederate forces at New Market Heights. The attack was met with intense Confederate fire. Over fifty percent of the black troops were killed, captured or wounded. Pvt Barnes was awarded the Medal of Honor for being “among the first to enter the enemy’s works; although wounded.” His medal was issued on April 6, 1865 and he was promoted to Sergeant three months later. It is believed that SGT Barnes was the first black soldier to physically receive the Medal of Honor.
Location. 36° 50.93′ N, 76° 17.671′ W. Marker is in Norfolk
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, Virginia. It is in West Freemason. Marker is at the intersection of Brooke Avenue and Harbour Street, on the left when traveling west on Brooke Avenue. Marker located just north of Wisconsin Square and south of the Pagoda and Oriental Garden. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 305 Brooke Ave, Norfolk VA 23510, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Also see . . . 1. William Henry Barnes. (Submitted on February 1, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.) 2. Norfolk Trail of Honor. (Submitted on February 1, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2022
2. William Henry Barnes Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 142 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 1, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
