Mercersburg in Franklin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The 54th Mass. Infantry Regiment, US Colored Troops

Photographed by Robert H. Moore, II, November 20, 2010

1. The 54th Mass. Infantry Regiment, US Colored Troops Marker

Inscription. In 1863, the 54th Massachusetts Regiment was among the first Civil War combat units open to African Americans. Troops from Pennsylvania made up more than 20 percent of the acclaimed unit. Mercersburg was second only to Philadelphia in mustering volunteers from the Commonwealth. The valor shown by the regiment improved regard for Black soldiers and helped spur recruiting. Of 38 USCT Civil War veterans buried here, 13 served in the 54th Mass.

Erected 2009 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.

Location. 39° 49.206′ N, 77° 54.341′ W. Marker is in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, in Franklin County. It is on Bennett Avenue when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mercersburg PA 17236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania.

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It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: In Memory of those who gave their lives in World War II (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mercersburg Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); In Memory of those who gave their Lives in World War I (approx. 0.3 miles away); Zion Union Cemetery (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mercersburg (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mercersburg Borough (approx. half a mile away); Lot No. 53 (approx. half a mile away); Lot 35 (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mercersburg.

Also see . . .
1. Find-a-Grave page for Zion Union Cemetery. (Submitted on July 17, 2011, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia.)
2. List of USCT veterans buried in Zion Union Cemetery via Dickinson College's House Divided site.

Photographed by Robert H. Moore, II, November 20, 2010

2. The 54th Mass. Infantry Regiment, US Colored Troops Marker

(Submitted on July 17, 2011, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia.)
3. PA Civil War Trails - Zion Union Cemetery. (Submitted on July 18, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
4. 54th Mass.org. (Submitted on July 18, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)

Civil War re-enactor Howard Lambert (B Co. 54th MVI) posses at the Marker during image. Click for full size.

May 2009

3. Civil War re-enactor Howard Lambert (B Co. 54th MVI) posses at the Marker during

annual "Remembrance Day" ceremonies in Mercersburg.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2011, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,605 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 17, 2011, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia. 3. submitted on July 18, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.