United States Colored Troops

On May 22, 1863, the United States government authorized the formation of the United States Colored Troops (USCT). The American Civil War was raging, and the United States government sought to supplement white soldiers with African-American soldiers. Eventually nearly 179,000 black men served in the USCT during the course of the war. These men included both free blacks and slaves. While serving in the United States Army, black soldiers still experienced racism. USCT units consisted of African-American enlisted men led by white officers. The black soldiers also received less pay than their white counterparts. Almost six thousand black Ohioans served in the USCT.

Following the Civil War, the United States military continued to welcome African-American soldiers into the ranks, although these soldiers were no longer designated United States Color Troops. Blacks still served in segregated units, commanded by white officers. They now principally served in the South, acting as occupying troops of the now conquered states. Eventually the federal government sent the black soldiers to the West to battle the Indians. The Indians gave the soldiers the nickname “Buffalo Soldiers.” African Americans remained in segregated units until 1948, when President Harry Truman desegregated the United States military.