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By the end of the American Civil War, over 180,000 African American men fought in the Union army in over 150 regiments, batteries, and battalions. Nearly 5,000 men from North Carolina served in the war. Many were recruited in the refugee camps and Freedmen’s colonies across the eastern part of the state. On Roanoke Island, over 130 men from the Freedmen’s Colony would join the U.S. Army from 1863 to 1865. Many would see combat, but all would run the risk of death through battle or disease to attain the goal of freedom. Other men from Roanoke Island who enlisted in other United States Colored Troops as individuals. 159 known men joined the Union war effort as soldiers or sailors from Roanoke Island’s Freedmen Colony. Throughout the war, six died in combat and twenty of disease. All gave some, some gave all for their freedom. Explore the stories of the regiments raised from members of the Freedmen’s Colony of Roanoke Island and others in Eastern North Carolina.
35th U.S.C.T Infantry Regiment
The 35th U.S.C.T. Infantry was the first regiment created in North Carolina from formerly enslaved people 
36th USCT Infantry Regiment
The 36th USCT were originally spun off from the 35th USCT and became a regiment all their own. 
37th USCT Infantry Regiment
Many of the USCT soldiers served after being freed from the Donnell Plantation in Northeast North Carolina 
14th U.S.C.T Heavy Artillery Regiment
The 14th U.S.C.T Artillery regiment served throughout North Carolina defending major towns, cities and other defensive locations |
Last updated: July 30, 2025