A new memorial to honor three members of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) who gave the ultimate sacrifice was unveiled on November 6 in Culpeper County, just ahead of Veterans Day.
Located along Maddens Tavern Road near the crossroads of Routes 610 and 724, the granite obelisk is a tribute to the three veterans who were captured and executed by Virginia cavalry troops just a few hundred yards away on May 8, 1864.
Their identities and exactly where they were buried remains unknown.
The monument, sponsored by the Freedom Foundation of Virginia, reads: “In memory of United States Colored Troops killed in service to their country near Madden’s Tavern on May 8, 1864.”
“This monument is dedicated to those men, who made the ultimate sacrifice,” says Howard Lambert, founder and president of The Freedom Foundation of Virginia, and for whom this memorial is a years-long labor of love.
Howard says his inspiration behind it is very simple—they were heroes.
“My inspiration was just to recognize and honor these men for their service and sacrifice to this country,” he explains. “Instead of staying up north as freemen, these men chose to join the Union Army and fight for freedom.”
Lambert says he has always had an interest in the American Civil War.
Growing up in Culpeper County, he learned of the local battles that were part of the Civil War, including the Battle of Brandy Station and Cedar Mountain, and his interest continued to grow as he got involved in various re-enactments, films, and presentations.
Through considerable research, he came across something that led him on his journey to bringing Maddensville Historic Site to life. Lambert read an account of USCTs being executed by members of the 9th Virginia Cavalry, taken from the diary of Private Byrd Charles Willis.
“I did additional research, including gaining access to Private Willis’ original diary at the Library of Virginia,” Lambert says. “My research led me to the conclusion of where the incident took place and a desire to honor the service and sacrifice of these men who were killed with a marker and possible monument.”
This is the first site dedicated to United States Colored Troops (USCT) in Culpeper County, one of the most fought-over counties during the Civil War.
In a press release from the Freedom Foundation, Lambert describes Culpeper County as a kind of ground zero in the story of the United States Colored Troops, as many who were formerly enslaved went north and returned to the place of their enslavement to fight for the Union cause.
“They could have stayed free and enjoyed all the privileges thereof, but these men decided to join the Union army and come back as proud soldiers in blue to fight to free people who were still in bondage, knowing that if they were captured, they would be given no quarter, but would be lined up and shot, which is obviously what happened here near Madden’s Tavern,” Lambert says.
Named the “Maddensville Historic Site,” this monument and memorial site is the culmination of a years-long effort by The Freedom Foundation of Virginia, in partnership with Civil War Trails and The Piedmont Environmental Council.
In addition to the monument honoring the three soldiers, the Maddensville Historic Site will also include three Civil War Trail markers: one honoring the service and sacrifice of USCTs, and the other two honoring the historic Madden’s Tavern and Ebenezer Baptist Church, both established by a free Black man, Willis Madden.
Civil War Trails, Inc., has verified the accuracy of the historical accounts of this site and helped the Freedom Foundation navigate the process of obtaining the three Civil War Trail markers. The unveiling of the trail wayside markers and the granite monument during the ceremony was a truly special moment, says Lambert.
“It was nice to see something tangible and I just couldn’t be happier to see the historic site become a reality,” he adds. “Finally, the USCTs got, at least to some degree, recognition for the service and sacrifice. It is my hope that it will stand for many generations to come.” Photos: The Piedmont Environmental Council
Megan Herr is an editor and writer residing in the Shenandoah Valley. She graduated with a degree in journalism from Penn State University.
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