A monument honoring 70 Black Union soldiers from Franklin County, Virginia, will soon be unveiled at the historic First Baptist Church in Downtown Rocky Mount. This monument will commemorate the soldiers who fought for freedom during the Civil War as part of the U.S. Colored Troops.
A Monument for Forgotten Heroes
The official unveiling is scheduled for late 2025. The monument will be located on the former site of the historic First Baptist Church, a key symbol of Black resilience in the region. This church was founded during the era of Jim Crow, and it represents a beacon of strength for the Black community in Rocky Mount.
The project is being made possible through a partnership with the Franklin County NAACP and the Raising the Shade Monument Committee. Together, they aim to honor these soldiers from Franklin County who served bravely in the Civil War and were often overlooked in the history books.
Honoring the U.S. Colored Troops
The monument will specifically honor the 70 Black Union soldiers who fought for the United States in the Civil War. These soldiers were part of the U.S. Colored Troops, a military unit created in 1863 to allow Black men to serve after years of exclusion. At the time, nearly 200,000 Black soldiers joined the fight for freedom.
Researcher Glenna Moore played a crucial role in uncovering the legacy of these soldiers. In 2020, she found evidence that revealed 70 Black men from Franklin County had fought in the Civil War. Initially, Moore had only discovered three local veterans, but after further research, she uncovered the full scope of their service.
The Site of the Monument
The location of the monument has been a topic of debate over the years. While some officials considered placing it in the Veterans Memorial Park, the Franklin County NAACP and Raising the Shade committee ultimately decided that the historic First Baptist Church would be the perfect location. This decision was based on the church’s connection to the community and its important role during a challenging period in American history.
The 7-foot bronze statue will be a prominent addition to downtown Rocky Mount, a community that is eager to acknowledge the sacrifices made by these Black soldiers. “It’s almost like this is where the monument was meant to be in the first place,” said Eric Anspaugh, chair of the Franklin County NAACP.
A Celebration of Legacy and Courage
This monument is not only about honoring the 70 Black soldiers from Franklin County but also acknowledging the contributions of countless Black men who fought for the country, often without recognition. “It feels like a weight has been lifted off our shoulders,” said Anspaugh. “We’re celebrating.”
The unveiling of the monument will bring attention to the vital role Black soldiers played in the Civil War and how their service helped shape the nation’s history. This new recognition promises to provide a sense of closure for many in the community and highlights the importance of preserving history that often goes unnoticed.
Looking Forward to 2025
As the monument’s unveiling draws closer, the community of Rocky Mount looks forward to honoring its history and paying tribute to the sacrifices of the Black soldiers who fought for freedom. The site at First Baptist Church will serve as a lasting reminder of their courage, determination, and the ongoing fight for justice.
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