Biographical Profile of Sgt. John H. Kean

In 1865, John Kean’s regiment was involved in many campaigns, including the Battle of Fair Oaks, the Occupation of Raleigh, and the “Surrender of Johnston and his army.”

Biographical Profile of Pvt. John Hunter

The “Battle of Saltville” became a “Massacre” as Confederate troops retook the salt works, murdering in cold blood any Black servicemen left behind instead of taking them prisoner. Tragically, John Hunter was among the brave men who perished.

Fighting for Their Freedom—How Black Soldiers Came to Fight in the Civil War

The 1864 amendment allowed Black men in Union slave states to become soldiers and compensated enslavers. Many Kentuckians, like Barney Stone, didn’t wait for their enslaver’s permission to join the military.

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