‘Freedom in Their Sights’
Lincoln Presidential Library explores role of African-American troops in Civil War on Oct. 1
 

[September 24, 2015]  SPRINGFIELD – African-American troops died by the thousands fighting for their country and their freedom in the Civil War. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum looks back at their sacrifice with a special event Oct. 1.

“Freedom in their Sights” combines audio, historic re-enactment and dramatic readings to tell the story of the “U.S. Colored Troops.” Presented by scholar and historic interpreter Robert Davis, the event will explain the struggle to open the Union army to African-Americans, the many battles they fought, the special dangers they faced and their impact on the war.

The free event takes place Thursday, Oct. 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the presidential museum’s Union Theater. Reserve your seat by visiting www.presidentlincoln.illinois.gov  and clicking “special event reservations.”

Nearly 180,000 African-Americans fought in the Union army. More than 37,000 would die. Some were captured and sent back into slavery. In other cases, Confederate troops massacred African-American soldiers rather than take them prisoner.
Abraham Lincoln called the use of African-American troops “the heaviest blow yet dealt to the rebellion” and said the war could not be won without their help.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum – now celebrating its 10th anniversary – is home to an unparalleled collection of Lincoln documents, photographs, artifacts and art. The museum combines scholarship with showmanship to immerse visitors in Lincoln’s life and times.

For more about the library and museum, visit www.presidentlincoln.illinois.gov.

[Shanta Thoele, Illinois Preservation Agency]