People, Locations, Episodes

Charles Young, Military Officer born

*Charles Young was born on this date in 1864. He was a Black soldier, musician, and writer.

Fort Pocahontas, a story

*On this date, in 1864, the construction of Fort Pocahontas began. This was an earthen fort on the north bank of the James River at Wilson’s Wharf in Charles City County, Virginia, which served as a Union supply depot during the American Civil War. The fort was constructed by Black soldiers of the United States Colored […]

James Coody Johnson, Black Creek Lawyer born

The birth of James Coody Johnson in 1864 is celebrated on this date. He was a Black Creek lawyer, politician, cowboy, and entrepreneur.

His father was Robert Johnson, an African Creek interpreter for the Seminole nation, and his mother was Elizabeth Davis (Johnson), daughter of Sarah Davis. Young Johnson was born at Fort Gibson, OK, where his mother had gone for protection as a refugee during the Civil War.

The American Congress Legislates Equal Pay To Black Soldiers

*On this date in 1864, Congress passed the enrollment Act that authorized equal pay for Black soldiers.

The 12th Regiment, Heavy Artillery U.S. Colored Troops is Formed

*The 12th Regiment Heavy Artillery U.S. Colored Troops was formed on this date in 1864. It was one of 175 regiments of African American men during the American Civil War. Kentucky was the last state to accept Black men into their army during the war. In February 1864, 400 men wanted to enlist, and Col. Andrew […]

Gaius C. Bolin, Lawyer and Judge born

*Gaius C. Bolin was born on this date in 1864. He was a Black lawyer and judge. He was a descendant of blacks who had lived in or near the Hudson River town of Poughkeepsie, New York, for generations, first in slavery and then, after the adoption of gradual emancipation laws in 1799 and 1817, […]

The 18th United States Colored Infantry Regiment is Formed.

*The 18th United States Colored Infantry Regiment was formed on this date in 1864. They were a Black infantry regiment. The 18th was raised in Missouri, which served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized in Missouri, unlike other Black regiments from the State of Missouri, the regiment was mustered directly into the […]

The War Of The Triple Alliance Begins

*On this date in 1864, the War of the Triple Alliance began. Also known as the Paraguayan War, it was a South American war fought between Paraguay and the Triple Alliance of Argentina, the Empire of Brazil, and Uruguay. A conflict of race and class, it was the deadliest and bloodiest inter-state war in Latin America’s history. It […]

The 5th United States Colored Cavalry is Formed

*The 5th United States Colored Cavalry (5th USCC) was formed on this date in 1864. They were a regiment of the United States Colored Troops during the American Civil War. They were one of the more notable black fighting units. It was officially organized in Kentucky after its first two battles. Colonel James Brisbin commanded […]

The 41st United States Colored Infantry is Formed

*On this date 1864, the 41st United States Colored Infantry was formed. This infantry regiment was composed of Black enlisted men that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Six companies were formed and ordered to join the Army of the James on October 13. White officers commanded the regiment and were authorized […]

The First Black Attorney Practices Before the Supreme Court

*On this date in 1865, John Rock became the first African American attorney to practice before the Supreme Court.

Rock was formerly a dentist and justice of the peace in Boston.

The Joint Committee of Reconstruction Established

*On this date in 1865, The Joint Committee on Reconstruction was established.  Also known as the Joint Committee of Fifteen, this committee of the 39th United States Congress played a major role in Reconstruction in the wake of the American Civil War. It was created to “inquire into the condition of the States which formed the so-called Confederate States of America, and report whether […]

The 13th Amendment Of America’s Constitution is Adopted

The 13th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States was ratified on this date in 1865.

George Woodson, Lawyer born

*The birth of George H. Woodson in 1866 is celebrated on this date. He was an African American lawyer.

The Ku Klux Klan in America, an article

The founding of the Ku Klux Klan in 1866 is recognized on this date. The Ku Klux Klan is an American organization that primarily promotes hatred to all races that are not White and to non-protestant religions.