This short slideshow includes two images of Camp William Penn.
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Yearly Archives: 2010
“Forgotten Black Hero of Philadelphia”
Temple University professor Dr. Andy Waskie has posted a useful profile of Octavius V. Catto, an ardent advocate for equal rights for blacks in Philadelphia during and after the Civil War. Catto was also instrumental in recruiting some of the first African American regiments for the Union army. He was assassinated in Philadelphia on an election day in 1871 while attempting to bring more African Americans to the ballot box.
Catto was a fervent believer in the value of education, and founded the Banneker Literary Institute in Philadelphia to promote intellectual activism for young African Americans.
Waskie’s profile also describes roles played by pivotal figures in Catto’s life such as Union General Darius Nash Couch and fellow abolitionist Frederick Douglas.
Spirit of Independence – Civil War Trails (Zion Hill Cemetery)
Follow the Civil War Trails and learn about the 180,000 African Americans who served and fought for their freedom.
Watch this video by clicking here.
(Courtesy of Pennsylvania’s Quest for Freedom)
Spirit of Independence – Bethel AME Church
Founded in 1817, Bethel AME Church served as a station on the Underground Railroad. Experience the power of faith, music and living history as slaves tell the story of their fight for freedom.
Watch this video by clicking here.
(Courtesy of Pennsylvania’s Quest for Freedom)
William C. Goodridge – Businessman & Abolitionist
William Goodridge, born into slavery, achieved freedom, business success and was a prominent figure in the Underground Railroad.
Address:
123 E. Philadelphia St.
YORK, PA, 17401
(Courtesy of Pennsylvania Civil War Trails)
Caledonia Furnace UGRR Historical Marker
Dedicated 5/11/1996, this city marker reads, “Erected in 1837 by Thaddeus Stevens and James D. Paxton. Stevens’ antislavery stand led to its destruction by Gen. Jubal Early, June 26, 1863, on his way to York during the early Gettysburg campaign.”
Address:
US 30 & PA 233, Caledonia State Park
CHAMBERSBURG, PA, 17222
(Courtesy of Pennsylvania Civil War Trails)
Burning the Wrightsville Bridge
After invading Pennsylvania and capturing York, Confederates planned to take Harrisburg and possibly Philadelphia. To get there they had to cross the Susquehanna River at Wrightsville. Pennsylvania militiamen from Columbia, on the Lancaster County side of the river, vowed to block the Confederate advance. Union troops retreating from York joined them, as did a company of African American militiamen. They mustered fewer than 1,500 men.
Address:
North Front Street, Commons Park, In Grass
YORK, PA, 17368
(Courtesy of Pennsylvania Civil War Trails)
Lincoln Cemetery
In 1867, the Sons of Good Will created the Lincoln Cemetery to ensure the proper burial of Gettysburg’s African American citizens and Civil War veterans.
Address:
GETTYSBURG, PA, 17325
(Courtesy of Pennsylvania Civil War Trails)
Stephen Smith – Businessman, Minister, & Abolitionist
This former indentured servant became a prominent businessman, minister and leader in the abolitionist movement.
Address:
222 S. 5th St
LANCASTER, PA, 17512
(Courtesy of Pennsylvania Civil War Trails)
Frederick Douglass and John Brown Historical Marker
Dedicated 8/21/1994, this roadside marker reads, “The two abolitionists met at a stone quarry here, Aug. 19-21, 1859, and discussed Brown’s plans to raid the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry. He urged Douglass to join an armed demonstration against slavery. Douglass refused, warning the raid would fail; the Oct. 16, 1859 attack confirmed his fears. Brown was captured with his surviving followers and was executed Dec. 2, 1859.”
Address:
West Washington St., Behind Southgate Mall
CHAMBERSBURG, PA, 17201
(Courtesy of Pennsylvania Civil War Trails)