Drummer Boy

Washington, DC was surrounded by tens of thousands of soldiers throughout the Civil War. Washington became the most heavily fortified city on the North American continent during this time. Although the Union Army was strictly composed of white soldiers from 1861-1862, African Americans officially began enlisting in the Union Army after Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation became law on January 1, 1863.

The African American soldier helped to win the war for the north. 178,975 African Americans enlisted to fight for the Union. 68,178 African Americans were killed in action or died as a result of disease while serving in the Union Army. Volunteers were as young as 12 years of age. The greater percentage of volunteers, over 50%, were former slaves from the deep south. Volunteers came from all walks of life. African American soldiers from the 55th Massachusetts Volunteers were made up of former farmers, laborers, waiters, cooks, teamsters, sailors, masons, hostlers, and shoemakers as well as many other professions. One African American recruit was told that he might have to give his life to serve in the army. He replied, "But my people will be free."