Contribution of Black Vermonters to the Civil War
In Lakeview Cemetery in Burlington there is a specific section of the cemetery for Civil War veterans, but the Black vets are not there. They’re buried in another section. Leander Freeman is indicative of the experience of many Black Vermonters in the Civil War, going out-of-state to join other Black regiments. They were paid $7 a month for their service when white soldiers got $13 a month and a clothing allowance. Ultimately, through a letter campaign of Black soldiers and especially Vermonters they got that equalized.
This Place in History is produced in partnership by Local 22 & Local 44 (www.mychamplainvalley.com) and the Vermont Historical Society.
