This ledger contains information on African American troops who were mustered into the U.S. Army during the Civil War in 1864-65, including: name, rank, birth location, age, occupation, date of enlistment, and much more. On May 22, 1863, the United States War Department established a "Bureau of Colored Troops" to promote the recruitment of African-American soldiers for the Union Army. There had been several African-American regiments raised at various locations before this date, but the Bureau was created to coordinate the organization of regiments from all areas of the country. These regiments became known as the United States Colored Troops (U.S.C.T.). Regiments included infantry, cavalry, light artillery, and heavy artillery units. Over 178,000 free blacks and freed slaves formed approximately 175 regiments which served during the last two years of the war. Kentucky mustered in over 23,000 soldiers that comprised 27 regiments. By 1865, approximately ten percent of Union troops were U.S.C.T. However, all U.S.C.T. regiments were led by white officers and there were limited opportunities for advancement for African-American soldiers.
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This video is from the 2024 season of “Kentucky History Treasures,” a series produced and broadcast by Lexington’s ABC 36, WTVQ. The series is also broadcast on WHAS in Louisville during the Great Day Live morning show.
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