Kentucky Historical Society
KHS to Dedicate Historical Marker to Honor Civil War Regiment of African-Americans

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 13, 2011) — The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) will dedicate a historical marker to honor a Civil War regiment of African-American soldiers at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Paducah-McCracken County Convention and Expo Center in Paducah.

During the Civil War, Paducah was the first city in Kentucky where an African-American regiment, the 8^th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery, was officially organized. Parts of other black regiments also recruited there, and any slaves who joined were granted freedom. Paducah is also the site of Fort Anderson, an earthen fort built by Union soldiers. On March 25, 1864, Confederate troops attacked Fort Anderson and the 8^th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery helped repel the assault.

This historical marker is presented by the Friends of the 8^th.

The Kentucky Historical Marker Program, administered by KHS in cooperation with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, commemorates historical sites, events and personalities throughout the state. Through the program, the wealth of Kentucky history is made accessible to the public on markers along the state’s roadways. The markers are on-the-spot history lessons that add drama and interest to the countryside for Kentuckians as well as tourists.

For more information about the program, contact Becky Riddle, Kentucky Historical Marker program coordinator, at 502-564-1792, ext. 4474 or becky.riddle@ky.gov.

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An agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Kentucky Historical Society, established in 1836, is committed to helping people understand, cherish and share Kentucky's history. The KHS history campus includes the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, the Old State Capitol and the Kentucky Military History Museum at the State Arsenal. For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit www.history.ky.gov.