First Kansas Colored Infantry
Although slavery was still in debate, African Americans were allowed to participate in the Civil War.With the Union at risk of losing, an adjustment had to be made. African Americans were more driven, had more to fight for, and in some cases, were just as educated as the white soldiers; thus making the First Kansas Colored Infantry’s abilities and contributions to the Union’s effort undeniably
significant.
significant.
Lets get down to Business
James M Williams was the colonel who formed the First Kansas
Colored Infantry. Due to the fact that African American soldiers
could not become high ranking officers, James M Williams was put
in charge. He was the leader of this regiment through-out their battles.
James M Williams was the colonel who formed the First Kansas
Colored Infantry. Due to the fact that African American soldiers
could not become high ranking officers, James M Williams was put
in charge. He was the leader of this regiment through-out their battles.
"WE WANT YOU!"
Due to the fact that the draft had not been introduced yet, the
infantry was comprised of volunteers. Posters such as this one were
used to attract people to signing up for the army. This was the
"Uncle Sam" poster of the Kansas Colored Infantry.
Due to the fact that the draft had not been introduced yet, the
infantry was comprised of volunteers. Posters such as this one were
used to attract people to signing up for the army. This was the
"Uncle Sam" poster of the Kansas Colored Infantry.
Time to get the Crew together!
Slowly but steadily the infantry started to gain numbers and influence
in the Union Army. This picture shows some of the members of the
Kansas Colored Infantry without their Colonel. Even though the government
was reluctant at first, the people of Kansas supported the idea
of Blacks fighting for the Union.
Slowly but steadily the infantry started to gain numbers and influence
in the Union Army. This picture shows some of the members of the
Kansas Colored Infantry without their Colonel. Even though the government
was reluctant at first, the people of Kansas supported the idea
of Blacks fighting for the Union.
Black Soldier: Babies or Battle Bred?
The Battle at Island Mound was the first battle that the infantry was involved
in. This battle proved to the nation that Black men could indeed fight; while
also causing the regiment its first casualties. The regiment of 225 went up
against a Confederate force of 500 and sent the insurgents running.
The Battle at Island Mound was the first battle that the infantry was involved
in. This battle proved to the nation that Black men could indeed fight; while
also causing the regiment its first casualties. The regiment of 225 went up
against a Confederate force of 500 and sent the insurgents running.
Engraved in History and Hearts
The battle flag of the First Kansas Colored Infantry is prominent even today.
Organizations have made efforts to collect all flags and preserve them for
future viewing. The First Kansas Colored Infantry is revered in Kansas and the
flag is known by many.
The battle flag of the First Kansas Colored Infantry is prominent even today.
Organizations have made efforts to collect all flags and preserve them for
future viewing. The First Kansas Colored Infantry is revered in Kansas and the
flag is known by many.
Citations
Information
"1st Regiment Kansas Volunteer Infantry (Colored)." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Nov. 2013. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.
"First Kansas Colored Infantry." - Kansapedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.
"Community and Conflict » Archive » 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry." Community and Conflict RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.
image header - Weisenthal, Joe. "Will The Next FOMC Meeting Create A Civil War In America?" Business Insider. N.p., 21 Oct. 2010. Web. 05 Dec. 2013.
image Citations (in order)
"Community and Conflict » Archive » 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry." Community and Conflict RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.
"Civil War Family." 'Civil War Family' N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.
"Marching to Freedom: The First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry." Vimeo. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.
"Slavery Pictures." Slavery Pictures. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.
"First Kansas Colored Infantry." - Kansapedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.
Information
"1st Regiment Kansas Volunteer Infantry (Colored)." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Nov. 2013. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.
"First Kansas Colored Infantry." - Kansapedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.
"Community and Conflict » Archive » 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry." Community and Conflict RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.
image header - Weisenthal, Joe. "Will The Next FOMC Meeting Create A Civil War In America?" Business Insider. N.p., 21 Oct. 2010. Web. 05 Dec. 2013.
image Citations (in order)
"Community and Conflict » Archive » 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry." Community and Conflict RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.
"Civil War Family." 'Civil War Family' N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.
"Marching to Freedom: The First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry." Vimeo. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.
"Slavery Pictures." Slavery Pictures. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.
"First Kansas Colored Infantry." - Kansapedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.