African American Experience: Camp William Penn and the U.S. Colored Troops

In 1863 when the Union Army began accepting African American men, Camp William Penn was established outside Philadelphia to train them. During the course of the war more than 10,500 soldiers comprising 11 infantry regiments were trained at the camp before leaving for battle. Camp William Penn soldiers fought in many battles, won Medals of Honor, were present at Robert E. Lee’s surrender, and participated in the hunt for John Wilkes Booth. In this episode we speak with professor and historian Don Scott about Camp William Penn, the soldiers who trained there, and their legacy.