What Is 28th United States Colored Troops

Overview

The 28th United States Colored Infantry Regiment was one of over 170 regiments of African American soldiers formed during the American Civil War under the United States Colored Troops (USCT) program. Authorized by the War Department in 1863, these units allowed free and formerly enslaved Black men to serve in the Union Army, contributing significantly to the Union war effort.

Organized in Indianapolis, Indiana, the 28th USCT was a key component of the broader movement to integrate African Americans into the military. Despite facing racial discrimination and lower pay initially, these regiments proved their valor and commitment on numerous battlefields.

• Formation began in December 1863 at Camp Fremont in Indianapolis, where recruitment of free Black men from Indiana and neighboring states was prioritized.
• Over 800 men enlisted by April 1864, with the regiment officially mustering into federal service on April 20, 1864, under white commissioned officers.
• The regiment was assigned to the Department of Virginia and North Carolina, joining the IX Corps of the Army of the Potomac in late 1864.
• It participated in the Siege of Petersburg, enduring trench warfare and frequent skirmishes from September 1864 through March 1865.
• The 28th advanced during the Appomattox Campaign in April 1865, helping to cut off Confederate supply lines before General Lee’s surrender.

Service and Deployment

The 28th USCT saw active duty in some of the war’s final and most decisive campaigns. After training in Indiana, the regiment was transported to the Eastern Theater, where it joined Union forces engaged in prolonged combat operations against Confederate troops.

• Deployed to Virginia in May 1864, the regiment joined the IX Corps and was stationed near the front lines of Petersburg, a critical supply hub for Richmond.
• Engaged in trench warfare for over six months, the 28th helped maintain Union pressure on Confederate defenses during the grueling Siege of Petersburg.
• Participated in the Battle of the Crater on July 30, 1864, though not in the initial assault, they supported operations and helped repel Confederate counterattacks.
• Marched with General Grant’s forces during the Appomattox Campaign in April 1865, contributing to the encirclement of Lee’s retreating army.
• Performed garrison duties in Texas after the war, arriving in December 1865 to help enforce Reconstruction policies and maintain order.
• Was mustered out on December 31, 1866, in San Antonio, Texas, after two years of postwar service, marking the end of its official military role.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 28th USCT to other USCT regiments highlights its typical structure, deployment timeline, and postwar service duration.

The 28th USCT’s extended service into 1866 was unusual, as most USCT regiments were disbanded by late 1865. Its prolonged deployment to Texas underscores the federal government’s reliance on Black troops during early Reconstruction to maintain stability in former Confederate states.

Why It Matters

The 28th United States Colored Infantry played a vital role in both military and social history, symbolizing African American contributions to Union victory and the fight for civil rights.

• Demonstrated courage under fire, helping to dismantle the myth that Black soldiers were unfit for combat, a belief held by many white officers and politicians.
• Contributed to the fall of Richmond by maintaining pressure on Petersburg, a key Confederate stronghold that fell in April 1865.
• Advanced the cause of equal citizenship, as service in the USCT became a powerful argument for postwar voting and civil rights.
• Provided economic opportunity, as enlistment offered steady pay and benefits, despite initial pay discrimination resolved by Congress in 1864.
• Served as a model for integration, influencing later military policies and setting precedents for African American service in future conflicts.
• Left a legacy preserved in monuments and records, including rosters and pension files that aid genealogical and historical research today.

Today, the 28th USCT stands as a testament to the resilience and patriotism of African American soldiers who fought not only for the Union but for their own freedom and dignity.