African-American Civil War Memorial ("The Spirit of Freedom")

The African American Civil War Memorial honors African American servicemen in the Civil War.

Quick Facts

Amenities

3 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Public Transit, Wheelchair Accessible

Over 200,000 African-American soldiers and sailors served in the US Army and Navy during the American Civil War. Their service helped to end the war and free over four million enslaved people. The African American Civil War Memorial honors their service and sacrifice.

Memorial authorized 1992 (106 Stat. 2104), dedicated 1998

Inscriptions
Statue front base:
CIVIL WAR TO CIVIL RIGHTS AND BEYOND
THIS MEMORIAL IS DEDICATED TO THOSE WHO SERVED IN
THE AFRICAN AMERICAN UNITS OF THE UNION ARMY IN THE CIVIL WAR
THE 209,145 NAMES INSCRIBED ON THESE WALLS COMMEMORATE
THOSE FIGHTERS OF FREEDOM
Statue base:
Spirit of Freedom
Ed Hamilton Sculptor
Granite Wall:
WHO WOULD BE FREE THEMSELVES MUST STRIKE THE BLOW
BETTER EVEN DIE FREE THAN TO LIVE SLAVES
FREDERICK DOUGLASS MARCH 2, 1863