The Grand Review of US Colored Troops took place in Harrisburg on Tuesday, November 14, 1865.  The procession began at the southeast corner of Soldiers Grove, at what is now the junction of Seventh Street and South Drive.  Hundreds of USCT veterans marched before the residence of former Secretary of War Simon Cameron and then appeared before the state capitol building where they heard from speakers such as noted activist William Howard Day (pictured above).  Later that evening, they held a banquet.  It was, in the words of the great abolitionist newspaper, The Liberator, “a pleasant and happy day.”

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER

November 11, 1865

WELCOME TO OUR COLORED SOLDIERS.

The good people of Pennsylvania, ever ready to show their appreciation of every good and noble act, have, through the Garnet E.R. League, of Harrisburg , made most brilliant arrangements to tender a formal welcome to our returned heroes, who have risked life and limb in defence of the Republic.

This reception will occur on next Tuesday, 14th inst., at Harrisburg . The order of exercises will be found (at least a part of them) ion our advertising columns. As the management has been intrusted to those who are au fait in matters of the kind, no failure can be anticipated in that direction.

We earnestly hope our people will not fail to show their appreciation of the services of our country’s defenders, and we look for our leading men to swell the multitude. The hospitality of our colored citizens of Harrisburg being unbounded, nothing will be wanting to add to the comfort of all who may visit that city.

We expect the various Rail Road companies will reduce the fare to and from the seat of the reception. While speaking on this subject, we must mention the Philadelphia and Reading Rail Road. This is one of the best managed roads in the State, and those who desire first class accommodations, will do well to patronize this company. Rally, then, and do not let our people in other States say that the colored citizens of the Keystone State are not alive to their own interests.

Courtesy of Accessible Archives