Welcome to the 135th United States Colored Troop website.
A look at the 135th USCT:
The inspiration of telling the story of the 135th United States Colored Troop came from years of research and studying the Pension Records, of the Veterans of the 135th USCT. The Regiment was formed in Goldsboro, North Carolina, on March 27th, 1865, from men, who previously served in the Pioneer Corps, and were part of General William T. Sherman’s Army.
Prior to their taking the oath of service in Goldsboro, they had been recruited into the Pioneer Corp during Sherman’s march through Georgia and the Carolina’s. Once they were formed into the 135th USCT, they were commanded by Colonel John E. Gurley, who served as commander of the 135th USCT, until the end of the war.
The Pioneer Corps worked tirelessly, through the winter of 1864 and spring of 1865, to move General Sherman’s Army, corduroying roads, to get them through the swamps and building bridges, to cross the rivers of Georgia and South and North Carolina. They had to work day and night to make sure that the, over 2,500 wagons and the 60,000-man Army of General Sherman were able to rapidly advance in an effort to help bring the Civil War to an end.
Once enlisted at Goldsboro, the men of the 135th USCT, were given their United States Army Blue Uniforms, with the famous brass buttons. Their jackets with the brass buttons had the freedom eagle on the face. We find from the pension records, the men of the 135th USCT, were extremely proud of the fact that they were their families original freedom seeker, and that they were privileged to serve their country.
Upon leaving Goldsboro the 135th USCT marched as part of General Sherman’s Army, (leaving their picks and shovels behind), and marched to Raleigh, NC and then up to Petersburg, VA, Richmond, VA and continued up to Fredericksburg, VA and To Alexandria, VA.
We discovered that one of their proudest moments was when the 135th United States Colored Troop Regiment, marched with General William T. Sherman’s Army, in the Grand Review at Washington DC, on May 24th, 1865. They tell the story in their pension records that they not only marched in the Grand review but marched passed the President of the United States under their own Regimental Flag.
Following a brief time in Washington, DC, and performing Guard Duty at Fort Kearney, in the defense of Washington, the 135th USCT was transported by train and then by boat to Louisville Kentucky. Here at Louisville they performed more guard duty until they were mustered out of service on October 23rd, 1865.
We have found numerous descendants of the men of the 135th United States Colored Troop who have shown great interest in their ancestor soldier. We look to telling their stories in hopes of educating and finding more descendants.
Our New book:
See also Black Civil War Soldiers
Visit the African American Civil War Museum in Washington DC.
Please also like our 135th USCT facebook page. 135th USCT Facebook
Make the most of your visit by experiencing the wonderful shopping, dining and creative culture that Downtown Goldsboro has to offer. Learn more: www.visitgoldsboronc.com also www.downtowngoldsboro.com
We thank the supporters of the 135th USCT:
We would also like to thank our Sponsors as they have helped make this important event happen.
Goldsboro, Wayne County Travel and Tourism
Thanks for the support of the NCCFCU
City of Goldsboro, NC
Deacon Jones Ford, Kia, Honda and Nissan – https://www.deaconjonesfordlm.com/
Goldsboro NC Housing Authority
Accucopy of Goldsboro – printing services
David & Emily Weil