Natchitoches in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

During World War II, 1.2 million Black men served in the U.S. military

Photographed by James Hulse, December 18, 2025

1. During World War II, 1.2 million Black men served in the U.S. military Marker

Inscription. “And there were soldiers coming from the war risking their life and limb some having made the ultimate sacrifice...and even then, Black people were not put on the same social level..."
Edward Ward, Natchitoches resident.

During World War II, 1.2 million Black men served in the U.S. military. Many soldiers traveled to their duty stations by train. Soldiers traveling through the area danced and shot pool at the Dew Drop Inn. Families gathered at the depot to see loved ones off and here they awaited their return. Returning soldiers being treated as second-class citizens, despite their sacrifices, helped fuel the civil rights movement.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • War, World II.

Location. 31° 45.712′ N, 93° 5.642′ W. Marker is in Natchitoches, Louisiana, in Natchitoches Parish. It is on Depot Street north of Trudeau Street, on the left when traveling north. The marker is located on the grounds of the Texas and Pacific Railroad Depot (Cane River Creole National Historical Park). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Natchitoches LA 71457, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Louisiana.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

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: The Texas and Pacific Railroad Depot (a few steps from this marker); Natchitoches residents fought hard for civil rights

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(a few steps from this marker); Architecture of Segregation (a few steps from this marker); A Long Journey (a few steps from this marker); The Great Migration (a few steps from this marker); I took my first train ride (a few steps from this marker); The last day of Texas & Pacific services in Natchitoches (within shouting distance of this marker); Oakland Plantation (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Natchitoches.

Photographed by James Hulse, December 18, 2025

2. During World War II, 1.2 million Black men served in the U.S. military Marker

Photographed by James Hulse, December 18, 2025

3. During World War II, 1.2 million Black men served in the U.S. military Marker

The view of the silhouette along the track side of the depot.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 22, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 60 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 23, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.