Southgate in Campbell County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Shaler Battery and the Black Brigade

— Evergreen Cemetery Tour —

Photographed by J. J. Prats, July 19, 2025

1. Shaler Battery and the Black Brigade Marker

Inscription. In 1862, the Confederate Army began marching towards Cincinnati. Union General Lew Wallace called for white volunteers from Cincinnati to build defenses but few answered the call. On September 2, Provost Guards abducted black men from their homes and forced them to march across the Ohio River into Northern Kentucky to build defenses for Cincinnati there. Abolitionists and the press were outraged. Judge William Dickerson was appointed colonel to solve the problem. He freed 400 black men held captive in Ft. Mitchell and said they could come back if they wanted to volunteer.

The next day 700 black volunteers showed up. The volunteers built eight miles of fortresses and roads, including the Shaler Battery, in just ten days. The volunteers became known as The Black Brigade of Cincinnati. When the Confederates arrived and saw the fortresses, they decided not to attack. Many members of the Black Brigade ended up joining other African-American regiments to fight for the Union in the Civil War. (Marker Number Stop 10.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is September 2, 1862.

Location. 39° 3.947′ N, 84° 28.38′ W. Marker is in Southgate, Kentucky, in Campbell County. It can be reached

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from the intersection of Alexandria Pike (U.S. 27) and the Evergreen Cemetery entrance, on the right when traveling south. It is at the highest point in the cemetery, to the left of the walk up to the bandstand. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 25 Alexandria Pike, Newport KY 41071, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Kentucky’s Outer Bluegrass. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Ohio River Valley.

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

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Shaler Battery (a few steps from this marker); PFC Edward H. Ahrens (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Richard Southgate (approx. 0.2 miles away); Samuel Bigstaff (approx. 0.3 miles away); Major David Leitch Monument (approx. 0.3 miles away); Major David Leitch (approx. 0.3 miles away); Brent Spence (approx. 0.3 miles away); Brigadier General George Baird Hodge (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southgate.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, July 19, 2025

2. Shaler Battery and the Black Brigade Marker

The Bandstand marks the highest point, the location of Shaler Battery. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, July 19, 2025

3. The Bandstand marks the highest point, the location of Shaler Battery.

The bronze tablet on the pylon in the center of the bandstand reads, “In Memoriam ‘The Nation’s Heroes’” Protective earthwork can be seen in the distance on the left.

Shaler Battery Earthworks image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, July 19, 2025

4. Shaler Battery Earthworks

This view is from the steps of the bandstand.

Telephoto View of Alexandria Pike from the Earthworks image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, July 19, 2025

5. Telephoto View of Alexandria Pike from the Earthworks

It was customary to cut down all trees for an unobstructed view from the battery. This is all new growth.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2025, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 200 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 22, 2025, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4. submitted on July 21, 2025, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5. submitted on July 22, 2025, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.