The Forgotten Soldiers of Juneteenth: The 116th United States Colored Troops of Dutch Gap Canal

A portion of the troops that occupied Galveston, Texas in mid-June 1865 were men of the 116th United States Colored Troops of the Union Army. These veteran soldiers had served just months before under General Benjamin Butler around the Dutch Gap Canal (what is now Henricus Historical Park in Chesterfield County, VA). These men were part of the force present on June 19, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation was announced to the enslaved people in Galveston. These men must have seemed to be superheroes to formerly enslaved children who saw them arrive under arms bearing the brass letters of “US” upon their equipment and clothing.

Our exhibition will show several large period images discovered in the Library of Congress of these men of the 116th USCT’s while serving around Dutch Gap Canal as well as other images of local plantations and faces of liberated slaves that were near Dutch Gap Canal. These intrepid soldiers served with distinction and were a part of Juneteenth and we have some of their faces to be remembered!

In addition to these images, reproduction clothing, gear, and weaponry of the first generations of armed “men of color” will be on display for adults and children to examine, feel, or wear. The items will represent these soldiers who served in General George Washington’s Continental Army of the American Revolution and those that served in President Lincoln’s Union Army in the Civil War.

Henricus Historian John Daniel Pagano will be there to lead any discussions on the topic and answer any further questions people may have on the topic.

Date: Wednesday, June 14 – Saturday, June 17

Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Cost: $12/adult, $8/children aged 5-12; Henricus Members: free (This exhibit is included in cost of general admission)