What Is 35th United States Colored Infantry

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 35th United States Colored Infantry was a Union Army regiment formed in 1864 during the American Civil War, primarily composed of African American soldiers who served from February 1864 to September 1865.

Key Facts

The 35th United States Colored Infantry was organized in February 1864 at Camp William Penn, Pennsylvania.
It consisted of approximately 1,000 African American enlisted men and 32 white commissioned officers.
The regiment served primarily in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida along the Atlantic coast.
It participated in the Siege of Charleston and garrison duty at Morris Island and Fort Wagner.
The unit was mustered out of service on September 28, 1865, in Charleston, South Carolina.

Overview

The 35th United States Colored Infantry was one of over 170 regiments in the United States Colored Troops (USCT) established during the Civil War to allow African American men to serve in the Union Army. Authorized by the Bureau of Colored Troops in 1863, these units marked a pivotal shift in U.S. military policy and the broader struggle for civil rights.

Formed in early 1864, the 35th USCI played a vital role in Union operations in the South, particularly in coastal defense and occupation duties. Though often excluded from front-line combat, their presence was crucial to maintaining Union control in captured Confederate territories.

Recruitment began in February 1864 at Camp William Penn near Philadelphia, the first federal training camp dedicated exclusively to African American soldiers, where over 11,000 men were trained.
The regiment reached full strength by May 1864 with approximately 1,000 enlisted men, all African American, and 32 white officers appointed by the Union War Department.
It was officially designated the 35th Regiment of U.S. Colored Infantry on February 10, 1864, following War Department General Orders No. 143 issued in 1863 to standardize USCT units.
The unit was assigned to the Department of the South, operating in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, where it guarded supply lines and occupied captured Confederate forts.
Despite facing racial discrimination, including lower pay until 1864 and limited combat roles, the regiment maintained high morale and discipline throughout its service.

Service and Deployment

The 35th USCI’s military operations were shaped by the Union’s strategic goals in the Southeast, focusing on weakening Confederate infrastructure and supporting naval blockades. Their deployment reflected both the opportunities and limitations faced by African American troops during the war.

Arrival in South Carolina:The regiment arrived in Beaufort, South Carolina, in June 1864 and was attached to the X Corps, participating in operations along the coast and inland waterways.
Siege of Charleston:Elements of the 35th supported Union efforts to capture Charleston, primarily through garrison duties on Morris Island and Fort Wagner, key positions in the harbor defense.
Guarding supply lines:The unit protected critical Union supply depots in Port Royal and Hilton Head, ensuring uninterrupted logistics for Union forces operating in the region.
Forced labor supervision:They oversaw the work of formerly enslaved people employed by the Union Army, contributing to the economic disruption of the Confederate war effort.
Limited combat exposure:While not heavily engaged in major battles, the regiment faced skirmishes with Confederate raiders and performed patrols in hostile territory.
Mustered out in 1865:The 35th was officially discharged on September 28, 1865 in Charleston, after the war ended and Reconstruction began in the South.

Comparison at a Glance

The 35th USCI’s role can be better understood when compared to other USCT regiments and Union units:

Regiment	Formed	Size	Primary Theater	Notable Actions
35th USCI	February 1864	~1,000 men	South Carolina/Georgia	Garrison duty, Siege of Charleston
54th Massachusetts	March 1863	~1,000 men	South Carolina	Assault on Fort Wagner, 1863
1st USCT	August 1863	~800 men	Virginia	Battle of the Crater, 1864
28th USCI	January 1864	~900 men	Virginia	Richmond campaigns
14th USCI	April 1864	~950 men	Louisiana	Red River Campaign

This comparison highlights how the 35th USCI, while not involved in the most famous assaults like the 54th Massachusetts, still contributed significantly through sustained occupation and logistical support in a strategically vital region.

Why It Matters

The 35th United States Colored Infantry represents a critical chapter in the history of African American military service and the broader Civil War narrative. Their service challenged racial stereotypes and laid groundwork for future civil rights advancements.

Demonstrated African American valor:Their disciplined service countered prevailing racist beliefs that Black men were unfit for military duty, influencing public opinion and policy.
Contributed to Union victory:By securing supply lines and occupied territories, the regiment freed white troops for frontline combat roles.
Advanced emancipation efforts:Presence in the South enabled thousands of enslaved people to escape and seek protection under Union lines.
Set precedent for future integration:The USCT model influenced the eventual desegregation of the U.S. military in 1948 under President Truman.
Highlighted racial inequities:Despite equal service, Black soldiers received $10/month versus $13 for whites until Congress equalized pay in June 1864.
Preserved historical memory:Descendant organizations and reenactment groups continue to honor the legacy of the 35th USCI today.

The 35th United States Colored Infantry may not have led the most famous charges, but their steadfast service in support roles was indispensable to Union success and the transformation of American society.