African-American Heroes Of The Civil War
While most African-American soldiers drafted into the Union Army were discriminated against and confined to colored units, they still played a major role in bringing about a Union victory. Below are 10 African-American heroes of the Civil War.
Andre CaillouxAndre
Cailloux was born a slave in 1825 but was freed in 1846. He quickly became a leader within the free Afro-French community of New Orleans. In September 1862, Cailloux joined the Union's 1st Louisiana Native Guard, being made captain of Company E. His company was considered one of the best-drilled in the regiment.On May 27, 1863, General Banks led a poorly planned attack on heavily defended Confederate positions at Port Hudson. Cailloux's company spearheaded the assault and were ordered on a suicidal charge against enemy sharpshooters. Despite suffering heavy losses, Cailloux inspired his men to persevere, and even led further charges, during which his arm was blown off by cannon fire. Despite now only having one arm, he continued to lead the charge until he was killed by an artillery shell. His heroism quickly became the stuff of legend, with his funeral attended by thousands and his efforts inspiring many African-Americans to enlist.
Robert Smalls
Born into slavery, Robert Smalls worked as a pilot in the harbor at Charleston. When the Civil War broke out, Robert was assigned to steer the CSS Planter, an armed Confederate military transport. First, he stole the boat while the Planter's officers were ashore sleeping. Disguising himself as the captain and giving the correct secret signals, he successfully sailed the Planter past five Confederate forts that guarded the port. He then surrendered the ship, as well as a codebook, to the Union vessels that were forming a blockade. The Union commander at Port Royal, rightly impressed, sent Smalls to see President Lincoln, who he persuaded to allow African-Americans into the Union Army. Smalls was also given command of his old vessel, now in the Union's service, making him the first black naval captain of the war. He deactivated mines that he had helped to plant as a slave and assisted in the destruction of railroad bridges. To top it off, he later became a congressman.
William A. Jackson
Despite being a slave when the Civil War broke out, William Jackson was in a position of power, which he fully exploited. As a slave in the home of Confederate president Jefferson Davis, William was perfectly placed to become a spy for the Union. The loud-mouthed Davis saw Jackson as a piece of furniture rather than a possible enemy agent. As his coachman, Jackson risked his own life to listen in to conversations between the President and important members of the army. When Jackson fled across enemy lines in late 1861, he gave the Union valuable information about supply routes, military strategy, and Confederate supply shortages.
William H. Carney
Escaping slavery as a child through the Underground Railroad, William Carney joined the Union army at the first opportunity. During the Battle of Fort Wagner his regiment spearheaded a charge across a beach into withering enemy fire. When the color sergeant dropped, Carney picked up the flag and moved to the front of the charge. After the Union took the walls, Carney found himself alone and was shot twice. Forced to leave the wounded, he joined up with an advancing regiment where he was hit a third time. After being escorted to a field hospital, Carney passed off the flag to another member of the 54th. It was then that it became apparent that William Carney had been holding the flag the entire time, not letting it touch the ground once. For his heroism, he became the first African-American to earn the Medal of Honor.
Aaron Anderson
Another African-American Medal of Honor winner was Aaron Anderson. After joining the navy in 1863 at the age of 53, Anderson became a poster boy for the US Navy due to his heroic actions. In 1865, Anderson was an oarsman on a small boat equipped with a howitzer to attack Confederate forces in Mattox Creek, Virginia. After finding three abandoned enemy ships, the howitzer crew were preparing to destroy them when they came under fire from 400 Confederate soldiers on the shore. The barrage of bullets was so deadly that it destroyed most of the oars and the only musket on board, and heavily damaged the boat. Anderson and the few remaining men with oars managed to maneuver to safety under intense fire, ensuring that only one man was injured. For his insanely brave actions, Anderson got a spelling mistake on his Medal of Honor, which was awarded to "Aaron Sanderson."
Powhatan Beaty
Born into slavery, Powhatan Beaty had become a free man and moved to Cincinnati by April 1861. After a devastating Confederate victory at the Battle of Richmond, an attack on the city was feared and all men living nearby, including Beaty, were drafted to build defenses. For the next 15 days, the unarmed unit, many of whom were black men, voluntarily constructed defenses far in advance of Union lines. In 1863, Beaty enlisted, joining Ohio's first black combat unit. Promoted to sergeant within two days, he soon commanded 47 men. By the Battle of Chaffin's Farm on September 29, 1864, Beaty was a first sergeant. As part of an attack, which was eventually called into retreat, Beaty ran into intense enemy fire to retrieve a flag which had been dropped 550 meters (1,800 ft) away. Despite the suicide charge, Beaty was the highest-ranking soldier that survived from his company. He instantly took charge of the men, leading a second charge, which successfully drove the Confederates back. Beaty was awarded a Medal of Honor on April 8, 1865.
Alexander Thomas Augusta
Alexander Augusta wasn't a hero for facing down the barrel of a musket, but for the determination that he showed in the face of oppression as a surgeon in the Union army. Born to free parents in 1825, he enrolled as a medical student in 1850. In 1861, he enrolled, becoming the first African-American physician out of the eight that would sign up for duty. He rose to the rank of major, making him the highest ranking African-American at the time. Despite saving lives, Alexander was attacked by mobs in both Baltimore and Washington. Two Union assistant surgeons also complained to President Lincoln about having to report to an African-American, forcing Augusta to be transferred to Washington. Despite the prejudice he faced, Alexander continued to serve as a surgeon until the end of the war, using his position to fight for black