Scotland in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The 5th Massachusetts Colored Cavalry
Point Lookout State Park
| | Maryland Park Service; Friends of Point Lookout, Inc. | |
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 11, 2026
1. The 5th Massachusetts Colored Cavalry Marker
The 5th Massachusetts Colored Cavalry was one of several Black soldier units sent to guard prisoners at Point Lookout. They were mustered into service on January 9th, 1864. The 5th was transferred to Point Lookout in July 1864 to reinforce the guard detail and were encamped north of the prison pen. Part of their duties while here were to guard prisoners and to conduct foot and mounted patrols throughout St. Mary's County.
Due to the threat of a Confederate attack on Point Lookout, they were ordered to relocate their camp to this area to defend the prison camp and prevent a breakout of prisoners.
The 5th Massachusetts was transferred back to active campaigning in March 1865. They had the notable distinction of being the first Black federal unit to march into the Confederate capital in Richmond, Virginia. The 5th would be mustered out of United States service on October 31, 1865.
Erected by Maryland Park Service; Maryland Department of Natural Resources; Friends of Point Lookout, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is January 9, 1864.
Location. 38° 2.916′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Maryland. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, in the Chesapeake Bay Region, and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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 one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Veteran Reserve Corps (here, next to this marker); United States Colored Troops (here, next to this marker); Redoubt #3 (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War Fort #3 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Armaments of Point Lookout
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 11, 2026
2. The 5th Massachusetts Colored Cavalry Marker
Another marker is no longer nearby. Fort Lincoln (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Also see . . . 5th Massachusetts Cavalry Regiment (Colored) (Wikipedia). (Submitted on April 14, 2026, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 16 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 13, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
