New Book on the Role of USCT at the Battle of Forks Road, Wilmington, N.C., 1865-- Part 1

From the July 25, 2020, Wilmington (NC) Star-News  "Writer dives into 'Glory at Wilmington'by Ben Steelman.

Wilmington native, former UNC-W professor and historian Chris Fonvielle tells the story of U.S. Colored Troops (USCT)role at this battle in the Wilmington area.  I doubt there is anyone who knows more about the Civil War in the Wilmington area during the war than Chris Fonvielle.

The Battle of Forks Road was nowhere as big of a battle as Gettysburg, Shiloh or Bentonville, but it did have ramifications on the fall of Wilmington, North Carolina.

The Battle of Forks Road, just south of Wilmington back then, is also sometimes referred to as Jumpin' Run, after the nearby Jumpin' Run Creek.

It was the Confederate last stand before the fall of Wilmington.  When Confederate General Robert F. Hoke withdrew his troops from those trenches before dawn on February 22, 1865, the fall of the city was set.  Later on during that day, George Washington's birthday, Union General Alfred H. Terry led his troops into the city.

Bringing up the rear of his column were two brigades of United States Colored Troops, black volunteers.  Many had been slaves just a short time earlier and many were from Wilmington and the surrounding area.

The victory at Forks Road was largely to their honor.

--Old B-Runner