The Patriot News recently published an article about plans for the Grand Review in November 2010 –
- “A group of African-American women in Harrisburg declared public outrage, and then held their own grand review, officially sanctioned by the U.S. Army. Hundreds of black soldiers from 25 states held an encampment and marched through Harrisburg on Nov. 14, 1865. They started near where Soldiers Grove now stands behind the Capitol, said Harrisburg researcher Calobe Jackson. That balmy day they marched through downtown and ended at Simon Cameron’s mansion. On Nov. 5-7, Harrisburg will hold a reenactment of the grand review and exhibitions. The event will feature presentations and conservation projects to honor the U.S. Colored Troops and tell their stories.”
Read the full article here.
Two of my Great-Great Grandfathers served in the 41st USCT out of Lancaster County Pennsylvania. Both trained at Camp William Penn, and successfully completed their service. Another Ancestor, Samuel Walter Pinn was a barber in Columbia, before joining the 54th Massachusetts USCT. He was in the same unit as Charles and Louis Douglas, the sons of Frederick Douglas. Samuel Walter Pinn was promoted to Corporal by Col. Robert Shaw.