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USCT Historic Trail

USCT Historic Trail Map

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The USCT Historic Trail

In July 2026 the nation will commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the country. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to reflect and honor the contributions of all Americans. Toward this end, the United States Colored Troops Historic Trails Project (USCT Historic Trail) began in the fall of 2022 as a project to elevate the story of the United States Colored Troops and connect the African American Civil War Memorial to the national historical landscape of the USCT at relevant National Parks and Historic Sites in the United States.

From the heroics of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment to Black troops liberating the last victims of chattel slavery in America, Black soldiers played a critical role in the Union war effort that to this day remains largely outside of the public’s historical consciousness.

The project is supported by the National Park Service and National Park Foundation and will allow trail users to see a map of historic sites related to the history of the United States Colored Troops, and resources associated with sites.

Collect Your USCT Trail Stamps!

We’re thrilled to announce that USCT Trail Stamps are now available at select sites across the country! These special stamps, perfect for your National Park Service passport books, celebrate the rich history of the United States Colored Troops (USCT). As you explore the sites along the USCT Historic Trail, you’ll not only learn about the pivotal role the USCT played in shaping America’s history but also have the chance to collect unique stamps at each location.

Start your journey today and be sure to grab your USCT Trail Stamps at these participating locations:

African American Civil War Memorial
Appomattox Court House National Historic Park
Camp Nelson National Monument
Reconstruction Era National Historic Park
Vicksburg National Military Park

The African American Civil War Memorial Museum honors the heroic roles of 209,145 US Colored Troops (USCT) who helped end slavery and kept America united under one flag.

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Appomattox Virginia
There were nine USCT regiments that engaged with Gen. Robert E. Lee’s troops at the Battle of Appomattox and were present for his unconditional surrender on April 9, 1865. – 7th USCT, 8th USCT, 29th USCT, 31st USCT, 41st USCT, 45th USCT, 109th USCT, 116th USCT and 127th USCT.
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Petersburg, Virginia
Sometime during the war, Petersburg became a major supply center for the Confederacy and its nearby capital in Richmond, Virginia. By war’s end Petersburg would see the greatest concentration of USCT soldiers. The most notable actions at this site include the Battle of th Crater and the Siege at the close of the war.
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District of Columbia
During the war the island was called Analostan or Mason’s Island which was the location of Camp Greene where the 1st USCT. Camp Green at the time was named after the Chief Quartermaster for the Department of Washington, Lt. Colonel Elias M. Greene.

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Vicksburg, Mississippi
Vicksburg’s strategic location on the Mississippi River made it a critical conquest for the Union.
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Natchez, Mississippi
Forks of the Road was the second-largest domestic slave market in the Deep South. In the fall of 1863 members of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry were given orders to tear down the slave pens at the Forks of the Road. They were joined by the newly organized 58th USCT Regiment. Union forces entered Natchez and established a headquarters there after gaining control of the Mississippi River with the fall of Vicksburg. There were six regiments organized in Natchez – 6th USC Heavy Artillery, 58th USCT, 63rd USCT, 64th USCT, 70th USCT, 71, USCT.
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Savannah, Georgia
In April 1862, Union forces captured Fort Pulaski near the port city of Savannah, Georgia. Hundreds of Blacks would flee to Fort Pulaski seeking freedom. Some later would come together to form the earliest Colored Troops regiments. Susie King Taylor fled to Fort Pulaski during the siege and is most noted for her biography depicting her time with the 33rd USCT in South Carolina as a nurse and teacher.
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Beaufort, South Carolina
Camp Saxton was established in the Fall of 1862 and was home to the 33rd USCT which was reorganized from the 1st South Carolina Colored Infantry.
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Boston, Massachusetts
Built in 1806 the African Meeting house served as the meeting place for the African Baptist Church of Boston. It has hosted giants in the Abolitionist community such as Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, and Maria Stewart. In 1863 it served as the recruitment post for the Massachusetts 54th Volunteer Regiment.

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District of Columbia
The Spirit of Freedom African American Civil War Memorial list the names of the United States Colored Troops – 209,145 people.