First Louisiana Native Guard

According to Historynet, 150 years ago today the 1st Louisiana Native Guard became the first African-American regiment accepted into United States service. It was organized by Ben Butler during his military supervision of New Orleans.

Pickets of the First Louisiana "Native Guard" guarding the New Orleans, Opelousas and Great Western Railroad (Frank Leslie's illustrated newspaper, 1863 March 7, p. 369; LOC: LC-USZ62-105562)

1st Louisiana Native Guard guarding a railroad

You can see more images and read about this regiment in the February 28, 1863 edition of Harper’s Weekly at Son of the South.

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