The Volunteer Militia Act of 1792 required that every free able-bodied white male citizen of the respective States, resident therein, who is or shall be of age eighteen years, and under the age of forty-five years be enrolled in the militia. Because of this mandate, African Americans are barred from serving in the militia. July 17, 1862 and take out the last sentence “These men would later participate in some of the war’s most notable campaigns and battles, including Antietam, Vicksburg, Gettysburg, and Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign.”

While in command at Fort Monroe in Virginia, Union General Benjamin Butler announced that he would not return fugitive slaves to bondage. Fort Monroe became known as “Freedom’s Fortress,” and a steady stream of “contraband” offered wages, food, and shelter, and began work for the Union Army.

The First Confiscation Act was passed, which enforced General Butler’s “contraband of war,” decision. It declares that any slave used for military purposes against the United States can be confiscated.

Congress passed the Militia Act of 1862 to address the urgent need for military support. This legislation allowed America's African-descent population to join the Union army and help save the Union. It had become an "indispensable military necessity." Shortly after President Abraham Lincoln signed the legislation on July 17, 1862, free men of color joined volunteer regiments in Illinois and New York.

The Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Lincoln announcing that if rebels did not end the fighting and rejoin the Union by January 1, 1863, all slaves in the rebellious states would be free.

The 1st Louisiana Native Guard was raised on September 27, 1862, from pre-existing black militia units in New Orleans. This made it the first black regiment formally raised during the war. All of its captains and lieutenants were of African descent. The regiment was involved in the capture of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, a month later, on October 27, 1862.

Once President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on this date, the War Department authorized the recruitment of African Americans. The 54th Massachusetts Infantry was the first regiment to receive this authorization. By the end of 1863, General Ulysses S. Grant recognized the African-descent population, armed with the proclamation, as a "powerful ally."

General Order 143 was issued by the War Department creating the Bureau of United States Colored Troops. This Bureau was tasked with all matters relating to the organization of Colored Troops including uniforms, equipment, organizing, and training regiments. 166 regiments were organized with over 200,000 soldiers.

During the final two years of the war, African Americans played a vital role in all major campaigns and battles. They demonstrated great bravery and earned 25 Medals of Honor. The USCT regiments accomplished significant victories, including capturing Charleston, the Cradle of Secession, and Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy. Lincoln recognized their contributions and declared, "Without the military help of the black freedmen, the war against the South could not have been won."

Surrendering U.S. Colored Troops are gunned down in the Fort Pillow Massacre in Tennessee. The USCT would subsequently cry “Remember Fort Pillow,” when going into battle.

USCT regiments led the assault against Confederate defenses protecting Richmond at the Battle of New Market Heights. Two brigades of USCTs fought courageously and captured New Market Heights, and 14 soldiers earned Medals of Honor for gallantry.

The U.S. Congress passes the Enrollment Act, authorizing equal back pay for all black soldiers.

Union soldiers, including the USCTs of the Twenty-fifth Army Corps, enter the fallen Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia.

Union soldiers, including the USCTs of the Twenty-fifth Army Corps, are present for Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Virginia.