This is the second of two side-by-side waysides. In front of you, directly behind the waysides, is an open grassy field that is about one square acre. In the distance is a wooden fence that marks the boundary of the National Battlefield site and beyond it is a row of tall trees. On the left is the National Park Service site ID sign for Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield and a flagpole flying an American flag. At the base of the flagpole are two Civil War era canons. To the right of the flagpole is the Brices Cross Roads Battlefield Monument. It is a tall white granite slab with a shield and laurel wreath carved on its face and an eagle statue at the top. It commemorates the Union and Confederate soldiers who fought at the Battle of Brices Cross Roads. Further to the left is the intersection known as Brices Cross Roads. On the right, just off the parking area is a gray granite slab monument about 5 feet tall with a bronze plaque that explains the fighting that took place at the Cross Roads. Further to the right and in the distance is a historic cemetery. Behind you is a small parking area off 370. On the other side of the road is a red brick church with a tall white steeple. The text on this wayside reads:
“We will do it or perish in the attempt”
Over 209,000 Black soldiers and sailors served in the US military during the Civil War. These soldiers—the majority of whom were formerly enslaved—served in units designated United States Colored Troops (USCT). Commanded by white officers, USCT units fought in every military theater of the war. Nearly 40,000 gave their lives for the United States and freedom. Through military service, Black men challenged racial prejudice and advanced the cause of civil rights for Black Americans.
Several USCT regiments, numbering over 1,200 men, played a key role in the Battle of Brices Cross Roads on June 10, 1864. During the battle, they covered the retreat of white soldiers who fled from Confederate forces. “The colored troops made for themselves on this occasion a brilliant record,” Major General Cadwallader C. Washburn wrote, “Their claims to be considered as among the very best soldiers of our army can no longer, in my opinion, be seriously questioned.”
The background of the panel is an historic black and white photo of USCT troops. The caption reads:
There are no known photos of Black troops at Brices Cross Roads. Pictured is Company E, 4th US Colored Infantry, at Fort Lincoln. Photo courtesy of William Morris Smith, Library of Congress.
In the bottom right corner of the panel is a scrap of newspaper. The text reads:
Ashtabula Weekly Telegraph | By James Reed | Independent in all things. | Ashtabula, O., Saturday Morning, July 2, 1864
When they came within about six miles of the battle ground they heard the firing, and pressed forward as fast as possible. And when they came within about four miles, an order came for them to go on in “double quick.” The day was intensely warm and when they arrived many of the men were nearly exhausted. Col. McMillan in command of the division, rode up to Colonel Boughton and said to him, “Unless the colored troops can hold the enemy in check the whole Division of Infantry must be lost.” The noble reply was—“We will do it or perish in the attempt.”
On the right side of the panel is a sidebar with an historic black and white photo of two Black men, who based on appearance look closely related. They are sitting side-by-side with an arm slung over each others shoulder. They are dressed in Federal uniforms. The text reads:
For Their Own Cause
Brothers Baldy (left) and George Guy (right) were born into slavery in Colbert County, Alabama. During the war, they joined the 1st Alabama Infantry of African Descent, which later became the 55th USCT.
The brothers found themselves fighting for their freedom at the Battle of Brices Cross Roads. Less than 100 miles from where they were born into bondage. The story of the Guy brothers represents hundreds of thousands of USCT soldiers.
Photo courtesy of Library of Congress.
