U Street Corridor in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
African American Civil War Memorial
African American Civil War Museum Freedom Foundation
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 2, 2018
The African American Civil War Memorial pays tribute to the 209,145 black soldiers and the 7,800 white officers who led them in their fight for freedom in the Civil War. following the Civil War, many soldiers would return home as war heroes to start families, schools, churches, and businesses in the neighborhoods such as this historic U Street Shaw Cardozo community.
Unveiled in 1998, the monument was built by a public private partnership put together by the African American Civil War Memorial Freedom Foundation Inc, a tax exempt group organized by Honorable Frank Smith, Jr. to include the District Government, the Washington Metro and The National Park Service. The names on the Wall Honor were obtained from the official records of the National Archives with the assistance of the National Park Service and the Mormon Church, The Federation of Genealogical Societies and host of volunteers.
The overall design for the monument was done by Devrouax and Purnell led by Ed Dunson and Barbara Laurie. Louisville sculptor Ed Hamilton designed the Spirit of Freedom which was cast by the New Arts Foundry in Baltimore under the guidance of the D. C. Department of Arts and Humanities. The monument was authorized by Congress in 1992 and is currently under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. The African American Civil War Memorial Foundation operates a museum at 1200 U Street which features tours, artifacts, documents and an annual program at the monument. The museum store also features a Book of Names. The meanings of the symbols following names on Wall of Honor are as follows:
★ Star - simply separates one name from the next
♦ Diamond - soldier may have served in more than one regiment
● Circle - more than one soldier with exact same name in regiment
Erected by African American Civil War Museum.
Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • War, US Civil.
Location. 38° 55.011′ N, 77° 1.568′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in U Street Corridor. Marker is on U Street Northwest east of 11th Street Northwest, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1000 U Street Northwest, Washington DC 20001, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named African American Civil War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 2, 2018
More about this memorial.
1925 Vermont Avenue, N.W.
Across the street — East
Washington, D.C. 20009
Museum hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Tuesday - Friday
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Saturday
12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Sunday
"www.afroamcivilwar.org"
Also see . . . African American Civil War Memorial & Museum. (Submitted on February 6, 2018.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 3, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 371 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 3, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.