Illinois State Military Museum Unveils New Expansion for African History

Related Media

Maj. Gen. William Enyart and Command Sgt. Maj. Howard Robinson look at the new expanded exhibit unveiled at the Illinois State Military Museum Feb. 2 in Springfield.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (02/09/2012)(readMedia)-- The Illinois State Military Museum unveiled a new expansion to its exhibit honoring African American history in the Illinois National Guard Feb. 1 at the museum in Springfield.

The exhibit now displays a first sergeant from Illinois' only regiment of African American Soldiers to serve in the Civil War: the 29th U.S. Colored Infantry.

"It's definitely a step in the right direction to celebrate African American history month," said Command Sgt. Maj. Howard Robinson of Olympia Field, the State Senior Enlisted Adviser of the Illinois National Guard. "A lot of people don't know the overall history of that era; African Americans weren't just slaves, they helped build the country."

Robinson said the contributions of African American Soldiers in the military during a definitive American war, should never go forgotten. This display is a way to retell that story and educate visitors on the diverse history of the Illinois National Guard.

The 29th USCT exhibit is one of several in the museum that tell the story of African-American Soldiers serving in Illinois National Guard units throughout the state's history to include the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II and on to today's Global War on Terror.

Located two blocks north of the intersection of MacArthur Blvd. and North Grand Ave., the Illinois State Military Museum tells the story of the contributions of the Illinois National Guard to the state and the nation from the days of the territorial militia to service in the 21st Century.

The 29th was originally called the First Regiment Illinois Volunteers (Colored), but the name was changed to the 29th United States Colored Infantry when the troops were officially mustered into service April 24, 1864, at Quincy.

Over the next two years, 175 United States Colored Troop regiments were formed. By the end of the war, African American Soldiers numbered approximately 179,000 and constituted for 10 percent of the entire Union Army.

The 29th was first stationed in Alexandria, Va., and then moved to defend the White House in Washington, D.C. The Soldiers next saw action in the Siege of Petersburg, participating in the Battle of the Crater, the Battle of the Weldon Railroad, and the Battle of Boydton Plank Road. They were later transferred to Texas where they were stationed along the Rio Grande River.

The 29th suffered heavy casualties during their tour, losing three officers and 43 enlisted men killed in battle and 188 enlisted men dying of disease. The regiment was mustered out of service on Nov. 6, 1865.

The museum is open 1 to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Admission and parking are free.

photo 1) U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Camacho, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs/ Maj. Gen. William Enyart of Belleville, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard and Command Sgt. Maj. Howard Robinson of Olympia Field, the State Senior Enlisted Adviser of the Illinois National Guard look at the new expanded exhibit unveiled at the Illinois State Military Museum Feb. 2 in Springfield. The exhibit displays a first sergeant from Illinois' only regiment of African American soldiers to serve in the Civil War: the 29th United States Colored Infantry.

photot 2) U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Camacho, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs/ Retired Brig. Gen. Stewart Reeve of Springfield, director of the Illinois State Military Museum, speaks to Maj. Gen. William Enyart of Belleville, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard and Command Sgt. Maj. Howard Robinson of Olympia Field, the State Senior Enlisted Adviser of the Illinois National Guard about the new expanded exhibit and the achievements of Illinois' only regiment of African American Soldiers to serve in the Civil War Museum Feb. 2 in Springfield.