Black Soldiers of the Civil War and Their Washington Connection

At the Washington State History Museum 

The story of the Black tradition in military service and its Northwest connections are the focus of a presentation at 12pm on May 21 at the Washington State History Museum as part of the exhibit Civil War Pathways in the Pacific Northwest. 

The exhibit discusses how the issues of the Civil War, particularly those involving slavery and Black rights, affected life in Washington Territory. “Black Soldiers of the Civil War and Their Washington Connection” details the stories of Black veterans, including those who settled in Washington after the Civil War and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic, an integrated organization. 

A particular focus of the presentation is General Silas Casey and the role he played in the development of African-American units in the Civil War. While in the Northwest, Casey showed concern for the plight of the Native American and he showed the same compassion for the Black Troops, selecting the white officers who would lead the Black units to ensure that they believed in emancipation and the rights of their men. 

The discussion will be presented by Alan Archambault, historian and author with a 35-year career in the museum field, including at the Fort Lewis Military Museum. This program is included in museum admission. Adults = $9.50, Students/Military/Seniors = $7, Kids 6 – 17 = $6, and ages 5 and under are free. 

Washington State History Museum 
1911 Pacific Avenue 
Tacoma, WA 
WashingtonHistory.org 

Alan Archambault Biography: Mr. Archambault has a BA in Art with a minor in history from Rhode Island College, and has served as Museum Specialist and Supervisory Curator with the U.S. Army at Fort George G. Meade, MD. He was also held the Director position at the Fort Lewis Military Museum before taking on supervisory oversight for 14 U.S. Army museums. Mr. Archambault currently is a freelance historian, illustrator, and researcher, and has written over a dozen historical sketchbooks designed to interest younger readers in historical subjects.