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Welcome to the website of the 3rd Regiment Infantry, United States Colored Troops, Civil War Reinactors.  Our mission
is to inform the masses of the history and service of the 3rd Regiment US Colored Troops during the American Civil War.

 

The 3rd United States Colored Infantry Regiment, was the first regiment of US Colored Troops to be organized and trained at Camp William Penn. There were 11 regiments and two (2) companies of infantry trained at Camp William Penn. The Training Camp was located in Chelten Hills, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, a few miles North of the city of Philadelphia. Recruiting of the 3rd U.S.C.I. was completed during the first week of August, 1863. After a few weeks of training, the regiment departed Philadelphia for assignment to the Fourth Brigade, Tenth Corps, Department of the South. Due to Copperhead opposition to the organizing of black regiments and a strong atmosphere of racism in the Philadelphia area, the 3rd U.S.C.I. was not allowed to parade down Broad Street, the main street of Philadelphia on their way to South Carolina. From late August,1863 until November 1863, the 3rd U.S.C.I. was attached to the 4th Brigade, 10th Corps at Morris Island¸ Charleston Harbor, SC. On Morris Island the 3rd U.S.C.I. took part in the siege of Battery Wagner and Battery Gregg. On September 7, 1863 the 3rd U.S.C.I. and other units, captured Batteries Wagner and Gregg. In November, 1863, the regiment was reassigned to the 3rd Brigade, 10th Corps and took part in several operations in the Charleston, SC area. In January 1864 it was assigned to Montgomery's Brigade, District of Hilton Head, SC. In February 1864, the 3rd became part of the 2nd Brigade, Voges' Division, District of Florida, Dept. of the South. In February of 1865, the regiment was transferred to the District of Florida. The 3rd U.S.C.I. arrived in Jacksonville along with the 55th Mass, Vol, Inf. both units were held in reserve during the Battle of Olustee and participated in supporting the retreat of the forces involved. While in Florida the 3rd U.S.C.I. took part in a series of expeditions and actions. In April, 1864 while still part of the District of Florida, Dept. of the South, elements of the regiment were trained as heavy artillery and served at several shore batteries in that capacity for an extended period. Other elements of the regiment served as Provost Guard in Tallahassee, and Lake City, Florida. The remainder of the regiment served at garrison duty in and around Jacksonville, Fernandina and other locations in Northern Florida. The regiment remained in Florida until it was returned to Philadelphia and mustered out of service on October 31, 1865.

 

MISSION STATEMENT

WE, THE MEMBERS OF THE 3rd REGIMENT INFANTRY, UNITED STATES 
COLORED TROOPS, ARE A NON PROFIT, 501c3, CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION. 
 WE ARE HERE TO EDUCATE THE MASSES IN THE HISTORY AND SERVICE 
OF THE UNITED STATES COLORED TROOPS.   WE PROVIDE SERVICES TO 
YOUTH IN SCOUTING, SUPPORT SENIOR CITIZENS AND THE NEEDY.  WE 
SUPPORT THE CREATION OF A UNITED STATES COLORED TROOPS MEMORIAL 
MONUMENT AND IT'S MAINTENANCE. WE PARTICIPATE IN LIVING HISTORY 
PRESENTATIONS AND BATTLE REENACTMENTS.

 

 

 

 

                             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SGT/MAJOR JOSEPH H LEE

NONCOMISSIONED OFFICER IN CHARGE

OF THE 3RD USCT

Philadelphia, PA & Midatlantic States

e-mail Sgt/Maj Lee

JHL3rdusct@Comcast.com

267-575-4734

 

 

 

 

                             

 

 

 

 

 

 

           RATHER DIE FREE MEN THAN LIVE TO BE SLAVES

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