Join us at the Cedarburg History Museum this Saturday!
Just a reminder: I’ve been asked back to the Cedarburg History Museum to give another talk in their 2024 Civil War lecture series. My topic will be “They Fought Like Devils” – the Black soldier and Wisconsin’s Civil War experience , a multi-faceted subject that is often overlooked when discussing Wisconsin’s part in the Civil War. All are invited to the presentation at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, September 28. Seating is limited, so to attend my talk—or any of the CHM free lectures—don’t forget to RSVP to museum director Joel Willems at 262-377-5856 or joel@cedarburghm.org to reserve a place.
What’s it about?
Black soldiers played vital combat and support roles in the fight for freedom and the Union. Hundreds of Black men from Wisconsin enlisted in Black units, and thousands of other Black troops fought alongside white Wisconsin regiments in some of the most—and least—famous battles of the war. Initially, many in government, the army, and the general public were skeptical, wondering whether arming Black soldiers was a good idea. But in a very short time, Black soldiers proved their bravery, endurance, and skill on the battlefield and in many less-glamorous, but essential, military support roles. We will take a look at a few of these path-breaking soldiers and their effect on Wisconsin during and after the Civil War.
Company E, 4th U.S. Colored Infantry (detail) c. 1863-1865. (Library of Congress)
I’ll be there, along with the men of Company E, 4th U.S. Colored Infantry (above), and their Union army comrades from Wisconsin. I hope you’ll join us.1
JMC, the Old Military Road, and the DAR
Earlier this month, I had a grand time as the after-dinner speaker at the Fall Workshop of the Wisconsin Society, Daughters of the American Revolution. My topic was Building the Military Road, Wisconsin Territory’s First Federal Road. I incorporated much of the 1830s and ’40s army and road-building information that I’ve blogged about here at CHH, as well as some new primary source materials and contemporary illustrations. I’ll have more to say about that event, along with some photos, in an upcoming post.
I’ll be back with more Clark House history in just a bit. See you then!
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NOTE:
- Just to be clear: the actual men of Company E, 4th U.S. Colored Infantry, will not be at the presentation. But their fighting spirit—and their photograph—will be part of my lavishly-illustrated talk. See you in Cedarburg!
Clark House Historian 