Jackson in Madison County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
61st US Colored Infantry Regiment
June 1862
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 20, 2022
1. 61st US Colored Infantry Regiment Marker
In June 1862 the Union Army established a headquarters in Jackson. The provost marshal's office located at the court house was the recruiting station for the Union Army. In May 1863, during the Civil War, over 100 African American men from Madison County joined the Union Army to help establish the United States Colored Troops authorized by the War Department's General Order 143 on May 23, 1863. Enough men enlisted to form Companies A & B of the 6lst Regiment U. S. Colored Infantry Regiment.
Originally known as the 2nd U.S. Infantry Volunteers (African Descent), in December 1863, at the Battle of Moscow, Tennessee, the 61st was one of the first Tennessee USCT units to see combat in the Civil War. Its men saw service in Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. During its service the regiment lost one officer; thirty-seven men were killed and mortally wounded; and two officers and 316 enlisted men succumbed to disease. The 6lst mustered out of active duty on December 26, 1865, after which some became a part of the regular US Army.
Erected 2021 by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4D 62.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil
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Location. 35° 36.85′ N, 88° 49.159′ W. Marker is in Jackson, Tennessee, in Madison County. Marker is at the intersection of South Highland Avenue (U.S. 45) and East Main Street, on the right when traveling north on South Highland Avenue. Marker is on the Madison County Courthouse grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 E Main St, Jackson TN 38301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Madison County Confederate Monument (a few steps from this marker); Madison County Memorial Flame (a few steps from this marker); David Crockett (within shouting distance of this marker); Madison County World War I Memorial Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Lynching in America / Lynching in Madison County (within shouting distance of this marker); World War I Memorial Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Monroe Dunaway Anderson 1873-1939 / Anderson, Clayton & Company (within shouting distance of this marker); F.E. Anderson & Co. Cotton Yard (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jackson.
Also see . . . 61st United States Colored Infantry Regiment
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 20, 2022
2. 61st US Colored Infantry Regiment Marker Reverse
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 20, 2022
3. 61st US Colored Infantry Regiment Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 22, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 255 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 22, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
