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Black America Web
5 days ago
- General
- Black America Web
Henrico Proposes $16M Trail To Honor United States Colored Troops
Source: Paul-Briden / Getty Officials in Henrico County, Virginia, are planning to pave a 3.2-mile trail that would serve as a community walking route for residents and double as a historical marker, honoring the United States Colored Troops (USCT) for their courageous service. The Black Union soldiers fought in the Battle of New Market Heights on Sept. 29, 1864, which was part of the larger Battle of Chaffin's Farm, a Union offensive during the Petersburg–Richmond Campaign, according to American Battlefield Trust, an organization helping to push for the historical marker, VPM noted. On that day, African American soldiers from the USCT led a fierce assault on heavily fortified Confederate positions southeast of Richmond, showing extraordinary courage amid intense enemy fire. Despite suffering severe casualties, their determination carried them into the enemy trenches, and in recognition of their valor, 14 USCT soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor—more than from any other single Civil War engagement. Source: Library of Congress / Getty Henrico County officials have proposed dedicating $16 million to the project, both to honor the legacy of the soldiers who fought there and to support local conservation efforts. The proposed walking trail would link Deep Bottom Park—a scenic spot along the James River featuring a boat landing and canoe launch—to New Market Road, as discussed during a meeting last week. Per Axios , officials are also considering whether to place monuments along the trail to honor the USCT soldiers. 'This place, as much as any, this land communicates what real courage is,' said Chuck Laudner, a consultant with the American Battlefield Trust, during a recent meeting where local officials presented their plan proposal for the trail, VPM reported. 'That's why we're here to honor them by highlighting and protecting this battlefield ground — to protect the very place where that legacy was forged.' Ryan Leverging, a project manager behind the forthcoming initiative, said the design is complete and that funding has been secured. While some parts of the project are being covered by local funds, others will depend on grant support. Henrico aims to break ground on the project next year. SEE MORE: Emmett Till National Monument Could Lose Designation John Lewis Statue Replaces Confederate Monument SEE ALSO Henrico Proposes $16M Trail To Honor United States Colored Troops was originally published on
Axios
11-08-2025
- Business
- Axios
Henrico plans first trail honoring Black Civil War soldiers
Henrico is planning a 3.2-mile trail that will double as a recreational path and a tribute to the Black soldiers who fought in one of the Civil War's most pivotal battles. Why it matters: It'll be the first in the county to commemorate Black Union troops and their role in American history. The big picture: The trail, estimated to cost $16 million, will run from the Four Mile Creek Trailhead off the Virginia Capital Trail to Deep Bottom Park. It'll also follow the United States Colored Troops' march during the Battle of New Market Heights in 1864, which led to 14 Black soldiers receiving the Medal of Honor. That acknowledgment was rare at a time when Black Americans were still denied full citizenship. The battle — which the trail is named after — was USCT's "most significant victory in the entire Civil War," Mark Perreault, president of the Richmond Battlefield Association, said in a public information meeting last month. Zoom in: Features for the New Market Heights trail could include a potential monument to those troops. And Ryan Levering, the county's capital projects manager, said in last month's meeting that the project addresses some of the top-requested amenities from residents: more trails and access to green space. What's next: Officials say the design plans won't be finalized until next year, and construction is slated to begin in late 2026 or early 2027, pending federal funding.
