Blog | Without Concealment, Without Compromise

Jill Newmark

The First Black US Army Surgeon

Major Alexander T. Augusta On April 4, 1863, Alexander T. Augusta became the first African American commissioned medical officer in the...

Jill Newmark

Rebecca Lee Crumpler

Providing Medical Care to Freedmen Although very few women physicians served during the American Civil War, one African American woman,...

Jill Newmark

A White House Reception

Breaking the Color Barrier In late February 1864, Anderson R. Abbott and Alexander T. Augusta made their way to the White House to attend...

Jill Newmark

An Appointment as Surgeon

“…to be in a position where I can be of use to my race.” On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation...

Jill Newmark

Christmas Letters from Civil War Soldiers

Civil War Christmas Christmas is a holiday often spent with family and friends enjoying a special meal and exchanging gifts. For most of...

Jill Newmark

A Civil War Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving with the United States Colored Troops Thanksgiving has been recognized as a holiday since George Washington signed a...