Washington, D.C.'s African American Civil War Veterans' Memorial and Museum

During the American Civil War (1861-1865) fought, in part, to rid the country of slavery, more than 200,000 African-Americans joined the ranks of the Union army and navy in the fight against the Confederate states. More than 40,000 died. The African American Civil War Memorial and its associated museum were created to recognize the men, both free and former slaves, who participated in that epic war.

Standing about 10-feet-tall, the "Spirit of Freedom" sculpture features uniformed black soldiers and a sailor from the Civil War era. Located in Washington, D.C. at 1000 U St. N.W., the sculpture, designed by Ed Hamilton, was dedicated in July 1998.

Surrounding the sculpture is the "Wall of Honor" that lists the 209,145 African-American soldiers, their names etched in granite, who served in what was then known as the Bureau of United States Colored Troops.

Despite comprising nearly 10 percent of the Union army and providing about 19,000 sailors for the North, once the war ended African American military contributions were all but ignored. Also forgotten were the many black women who, though they could not officially join the military, nevertheless served with distinction as nurses, spies and scouts.

In fact, shortly after the 1865 Confederate surrender, a parade organized by Gen. William T. Sherman that fielded about 200,000 troops marching in victory along Washington, D.C. streets did not include a single African American soldier. Two years after the war ended, a bill was introduced in Congress to establish a memorial to the black soldiers and sailors who fought. It passed in the Senate but failed in the House.

Finally, in 1998, recognition of the African American troops' contributions to the Union's victory materialized when the "Spirit of Freedom" sculpture and the semi-circular "Wall of Honor" were unveiled.

Located two blocks away at 1200 U St. N.W., is the African American Civil War Museum. (Though it will be moving to a new location at 1925 Vermont Ave. N.W. probably about the end of August 2010. Its new location will be right near the sculpture.)

Opened in January 1999, the museum is a repository of photographs and documents showcasing the contributions made by African American military personnel in the Civil War. In 2007, the organization put together "The Book of Names." This three-volume set of books, which is for sale, lists all 209,145 individuals who participated in the war.

The museum, which is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offers a variety of informational kiosks and displays as well as various programs and researching tools. Visitors can also search for ancestors in the museum's registry. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

The sculpture is open for public viewing 24/7 and is conveniently accessed by the Metro at the U Street-Cardoza stop.