African American Patriots and the Civil War. Imagine my surprise when a reader from Montana, George M. brought to my attention that John E. Smith from Laurel Hill Settlement/Browns Farm is mentioned in the current issue of American Heritage. For more on the life of this one soldier from the Laurel Highlands click
3rd-usct-john-e-smith-laurel-hill
The Pennsylvania Grand Review will serve as a commemoration of the November 1865 event of the same name organized by the women of Harrisburg to honor the United States Colored Troops who were not permitted to participate in the Grand Review of the Armies, a military procession and celebration held May 23-24, 1865 in Washington, D.C., following the end of the Civil War.
The Grand Review will include exhibition, presentation, and conservation projects that will reveal the hidden histories of the USCT. This commemoration will culminate November 3-7, 2010 in Harrisburg.
Out of all the names they could have picked - John Smith's name was lucky enough to be listed. What makes it even more surprising is that poor old John never got his pension because he lost his discharge papers and couldn't remember which regiment he was in. He mistakenly said he was a member of the 4th Pa Cav and it was actually the 3rd.
For information can be found on the official website:
http://www.visitpa.com/trip-ideas/pennsylvania-grand-review/index.aspx
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