Appomattox in Appomattox County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
"They Showed No Flinching"
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, December 20, 2025
1. "They Showed No Flinching" Marker
Companies A and F of the 41st United States Colored Troops (USCT) deployed as skirmishers (an expanded formation where soldiers are posted ahead of the main battle line to feel out enemy positions). On April 9, 1865, they crossed the field in front of you and engaged Confederate forces.
The 41st USCT advanced to a wooded area overlooking nearby Plain Run until relieved by skirmishers of General John Turner's Division of the 24th Corps. General George Crook, having never seen a USCT unit in action, watched them move forward commenting: "They marched up in splendid order, and although some were knocked over they showed no flinching."
The 41st USCT organized at Camp William Penn in Philadelphia, PA, in the fall of 1864. These men joined the Army of the James at Petersburg, VA, and served with Colonel Ulysses Doubleday's Brigade of the 25th Corps, which was comprised of segregated Black units led by White officers. These soldiers marched over 60 miles on April 7-8 to cut off the Confederate retreat.
The Cost of Freedom
The 41st suffered at least two casualties as they engaged the Confederates before the surrender.
Thomas Crawford
this page online
John W. Falconer - 24, Captain, a White officer from Hamilton, OH, was wounded by a bullet and sent to the General Hospital in Farmville, VA. He died on April 23, 1865, one of the last causalities of the Appomattox Campaign.
Erected 2025 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is April 9, 1865.
Location. 37° 22.277′ N, 78° 48.747′ W. Marker is in Appomattox, Virginia, in Appomattox County. It can be reached from Courthouse Road (Virginia Route 24) half a mile west of Gordon Drive, on the right when traveling east. The marker stands on the grounds of Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, on the USCT Approach Trail at the Grant's Headquarters Wayside. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Appomattox VA 24522, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally,
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, December 20, 2025
2. "They Showed No Flinching" Marker View
View from the marker, facing up the USCT Approach Trail (visible as the browned close-mown path at lower left, turning towards the center of the photo and crossing left to right at a diagonal before bending left towards the post-war cemetery at the top of the hill distant)
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: "By Loyalty and Bravery" (approx. 0.2 miles away); "Their doom was sealed" (approx. ¼ mile away); “Message of Peace” (approx. ¼ mile away); Grant’s Pursuit (approx. 0.3 miles away); Battle of Appomattox Station (approx. 0.3 miles away); Shattered Home (approx. 0.3 miles away); Born enslaved, I died a free woman. (approx. 0.3 miles away); U.S. Colored Troops At Appomattox (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Appomattox.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, December 20, 2025
3. "They Showed No Flinching" Marker
The marker is visible in this view - just barely, as it blends with the trees - on the ridge at center left. The direction of the USCTs' advance was directly towards the camera.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 50 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 20, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
