Wallingford Center in South Central Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

William P. Smith

Photographed by Conrad Ward, June 8, 2024

1. William P. Smith Marker

Inscription.

William P. Smith. . , Born a free black in 1837 in Middlefield, Connecticut, emerged as a remarkable and influential figure in Wallingford's history. Living during a time when constitutional norms deemed his enslaved brethren as only three-fifths of a person, Smith transcended systemic barriers to become an integral part of Wallingford's community. Initially making a living as a farmer and trapper in Middlefield and Wallingford, Smith's life took a profound turn in 1863. In early 1863, with President Lincoln having signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Smith seized the opportunity to join the 54th Massachusetts Volunteers, the first black regiment in New England, and, the first to lead a charge against a major Confederate emplacement during the Second Battle of Fort Wagner on July 18, 1863. Smith's bravery, while being shot three times, and that of others during that charge became a symbol of tenacity and discipline, with the assault being depicted in the 1989 film "Glory." Surviving the assault, Smith continued to serve in Florida in 1864 before returning to Wallingford. In recognition of his valor, Smith was granted 26 acres of land near Community Lake, where he lived until his death at the age of 78 in 1916. Beyond his military service, Smith's legacy extended into the cultural fabric of Wallingford. As the founder of the Dred-Nots, the first black fife and drum corps in Connecticut, and as the long-time bass drummer in the Wallingford National Band, and by organizing the first fife and drum convention (muster) in Connecticut, he contributed to the town's musical heritage. He also founded and captained the successful, but short-lived, Jackson Blues colored baseball team in the 1870s. Smith's enduring impact was celebrated on May 2, 2008 when it was declared William P. Smith Day by Wallingford's Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr., honoring a man whose bravery brought glory not only to Wallingford but to the United States and the world., Rohan Jignesh Modi - Eagle Scout Project , Troop 5, Wallingford, 2024

Born a free black in 1837 in Middlefield, Connecticut, emerged as a remarkable and influential figure in Wallingford's history. Living during a time when constitutional norms deemed his enslaved brethren as only three-fifths of a person, Smith transcended systemic barriers to become an integral part of Wallingford's community. Initially making a living as a farmer and trapper in Middlefield and Wallingford, Smith's life took a profound turn in 1863. In early 1863, with President Lincoln having signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Smith seized the opportunity to join the 54th Massachusetts Volunteers, the first black regiment in New England, and, the first to lead a charge against a major Confederate emplacement during the Second Battle of Fort Wagner on July 18, 1863. Smith's bravery, while being shot three times, and that of others during that charge became a symbol of tenacity and discipline, with the assault being depicted in the 1989 film "Glory." Surviving the assault, Smith continued to serve in Florida in 1864 before returning to Wallingford. In recognition of his valor, Smith was granted 26 acres of land near Community Lake, where he lived until his death at the age of 78 in 1916. Beyond his military service, Smith's legacy extended into the cultural fabric of Wallingford. As the founder of the Dred-Nots, the first black

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fife and drum corps in Connecticut, and as the long-time bass drummer in the Wallingford National Band, and by organizing the first fife and drum convention (muster) in Connecticut, he contributed to the town's musical heritage. He also founded and captained the successful, but short-lived, Jackson Blues colored baseball team in the 1870s. Smith's enduring impact was celebrated on May 2, 2008 when it was declared William P. Smith Day by Wallingford's Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr., honoring a man whose bravery brought glory not only to Wallingford but to the United States and the world.

Rohan Jignesh Modi - Eagle Scout Project
Troop 5, Wallingford, 2024

Erected 2024 by Rohan Jignesh Modi.

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

Location. 41° 27.298′ N, 72° 49.428′ W. Marker is in Wallingford in South Central Region, Connecticut. It is in Wallingford Center. It can be reached from the intersection of Center Street and South Colony Street (U.S. 5). Located in Center Street Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wallingford CT 06492, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Connecticut River Valley,

on the Connecticut Shoreline,

and in Greater New Haven.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

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 New Haven County

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this

William P. Smith Gravestone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Conrad Ward, June 8, 2024

2. William P. Smith Gravestone

marker: Samuel Whittelsey (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Moses Yale Beach (about 300 feet away); Lyman Hall (about 400 feet away); Wallingford Post Office Steps (about 400 feet away); Lyman Hall Grave (about 400 feet away); Hon. Abraham Doolittle (about 500 feet away); John Brockett (about 500 feet away); Center Street Cemetery (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wallingford.

Photographed by Conrad Ward, June 8, 2024

3. William P. Smith Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2024, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 256 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 5, 2024, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.