North Carolina has a rich tapestry of history, particularly regarding its role in the American Civil Rights Movement and the Underground Railroad. The Explore the Road to Freedom NC app is a useful guide to help discover important historical sites throughout the state. There is also a version of the app available for Virginia and Tennessee.
The app highlights key sites on a map and provides locations of historical markers and museums. Users can take self-guided tours to key locations, each accompanied by detailed narratives and relevant historical context. The app also features photographs, audio recordings and video clips that bring history to life as they visit various landmarks.
By using the app, I found that our nearby waterfront city, Washington, North Carolina, is a city of significance for Black history.
In early 1863, The Siege of Washington, N.C., occurred during the American Civil War. This conflict involved Confederate forces attempting to capture the Union-held town of Washington, a strategic location in the state. Even before the Emancipation Proclamation was read from the steps of Washington’s Presbyterian church in January 1863, escaping slaves had already offered their assistance to Union General Foster, and he stated he armed as many as he had arms for.
The historical marker states: “African Americans Defend Washington. Before the formation of 1st N.C. Colored Volunteers, about 100 black men were armed to aid Union forces during the siege of Washington in 1863.” The 1st North Carolina Colored was a regiment of Black soldiers formed in New Bern, North Carolina, in 1863 and was later redesignated as the 35th United States Colored Troops.
The historical marker stands in front of Underground Rail Road Museum, housed in a railroad car. The caboose features a pictorial history of slavery in Washington and Beaufort County and is worth a visit. It is open Thursday–Saturday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
In honor of Black History Month, I hope everyone can take a little time to learn more about Black history in their own backyard.
— Tracey Cullen, art director
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