The Black Brigade of Cincinnati

Following the success of Confederate forces in eastern Kentucky and General John Hunt Morgan's raids there in 1862, Cincinnatians feared an imminent Southern invasion. Officials ordered citizens to form home guards, but black men who volunteered were turned away, and many were instead rounded up by police serving as provost guards and marched by bayonet into Kentucky to build fortifications. In response to this treatment, the commander of the Department of Ohio sent Major General Lewis Wallace to command the civilians and free the black men forced into service. Judge William Martin Dickson then took command of a brigade of 1,000 African American volunteers determined to fight to end slavery. From September 2-20, they cleared forests and built military roads, rifle pits, and fortifications. After earning praise for their labor, the unit disbanded when Confederate forces no longer threatened the city. As the first black unit with military purpose in the Civil War, members later served with the 127th Ohio Voluntary Infantry and other black regiments.

Cincinnati, Ohio · United States