Former USCT Burial Ground

Former USCT Burial Ground (HM1MSR)

Location: Alexandria, VA 22314
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Country: United States of America
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N 38° 47.675', W 77° 2.973'

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Inscription

Rather Die Freemen Than Live To Be Slaves

This corner of the cemetery was probably reserved for members of the U.S. Colored Troops, some of whom were veterans of battles like the siege of Petersburg and the Battle of the Crater. In 1864, a group of USCT convalescing at L'Ouveruture Hospital petitioned for a burial alongside their white comrades-in-arms in the proper soldiers' cemetery. Their request was granted, and the coffins of 118 USCT were relocated in January 1865 to the military burial ground, now Alexandria National Cemetery.

We are not contrabands, but soldiers of the U.S. Army. We have cheerfully left the comforts of home, and entered into the field of conflict, fighting side by side with the white soldiers...

As American citizens, we have a right to fight for the protection of her flag, that right is granted, and we are now sharing equally the dangers and hardships in this mighty contest... We ask that our bodies may find a resting place in the ground designated for the burial of the brave defenders, of our countries flag.

Excerpt from USCT petition to Major Edwin Bentley, Surgeon in Charge, L'Ouverture Hospital, December 27, 1864
Details
HM NumberHM1MSR
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Marker ConditionNo reports yet
Date Added Wednesday, August 12th, 2015 at 9:03am PDT -07:00
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Locationbig map
UTM (WGS84 Datum)18S E 322005 N 4295976
Decimal Degrees38.79458333, -77.04955000
Degrees and Decimal MinutesN 38° 47.675', W 77° 2.973'
Degrees, Minutes and Seconds38° 47' 40.5" N, 77° 2' 58.38" W
Driving DirectionsGoogle Maps
Area Code(s)202, 703, 571
Which side of the road?Marker is on the right when traveling South
Closest Postal AddressAt or near 1001 S Washington St, Alexandria VA 22314, US
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