Rappahannock's Freedom Fighters

During the American Civil War, African American men from across Virginia answered the call to arms, joining the United States Colored Troops (USCT) to fight for freedom and a new future. Among these brave soldiers were men born in Rappahannock County, whose service irrevocably ties our community to this monumental chapter of American history.

An extensive preserved list recorded the names of Black men born in Rappahannock who served in the Union Army. This valuable record, once displayed at the Rappahannock Historical Society, is now maintained by the Carver 4 Museum. Today, the work of documenting and preserving this legacy continues, supported by the Historical Society, the George Washington Carver Center, and Howard Lambert, President of the Graffiti House Foundation, who is dedicated to preserving USCT history in our region.

These soldiers stood alongside USCT units documented near the Rappahannock River, including troops photographed before the Overland Campaign and those who crossed at Kelly's Ford. Their service is not just a footnote—it remains a vital and inspiring part of Rappahannock's story.

If you know of any soldiers from Rappahannock who enlisted, please send us their name and rank so we can continue adding new names to this list and honor their service HERE