The Civil War at Meridian Hill Park

Many people may not be aware that Meridian Hill park was actually once an encampment site for Civil War soldiers because it is a hill that offered soldiers an expansive view of the City of Washington, which during the war was only a portion of the District of Columbia. Come and learn about the soldiers who were here, including Private Robert Gould Shaw, later commanding officer of one of the first Black regiments of the Civil War; the 77th New York Infantry, who returened to the city in 1864 to fight in the battle of Fort Stevens; and the 1st United States Colored Infantry, who came to Meridian Hil before mustering out of service at the White House.

All Ages