A new marker commemorating Black troops who fought in the Civil War has been installed at Fort Ethan Allen Park.
An official unveiling for the new sign at 3829 N. Stafford Street is scheduled for Thursday, June 20 — the day after Juneteenth. The marker commemorates the 107th United States Colored Troops, which ran drills and manned the ramparts at Fort Ethan Allen and other Arlington forts starting in October 1865, guarding D.C. following the end of the war.
“The new Civil War Trails site in Arlington offers travelers an opportunity to stand in the footsteps of warriors,” Rita McClenny, CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, said in a statement. “These men did not sit idly by as the war progressed and this new sign commemorates those who fearlessly fought for emancipation and equality.”
Some members of the 107th USCT were free men who enlisted by choice or were drafted, according to documents shared with ARLnow. Others were enlisted by their enslavers, while still others secured freedom through enlistment.
Before the 107th USCT was deployed to Arlington, the regiment was conducted recruiting and anti-guerrilla actions in Kentucky, which was home to both Union supporters and Confederates during the Civil War.
“I wish for nothing but to breathe… the air of liberty,” reads a quote from Sgt. Maj. Charles Singer, one of the soldiers commemorated on the marker. “I have no ambition, unless it be to break the chain and exclaim: ‘Freedom to all!'”
The historic marker involved two years of research on the part of multiple historians, including Arlington County Park Historian John McNair, according to a press release.
Scheduled speakers at the unveiling event include National Park Service Ranger Bryan Cheeseboro, retired U.S. Navy Capt. Ed Gantt and Jane Rudolph, director of Arlington’s Dept. of Parks and Recreation.
“We are very proud to partner with Civil War Trails to honor one of the war’s most recognizable regiments through this commemorative sign,” said county spokesperson Jerry Solomon.
