Facts on 23 August
1861 - James Stone first black to fight in Civil War

James Stone was an African American who fought in the Civil War, and there are records suggesting that he was one of the first Black soldiers to engage in combat. However, there is limited detailed documentation on his exact actions and contributions. It’s worth noting that African Americans fought for the Union during the Civil War, even before the official formation of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) in 1863.

While Stone’s specific service might not be as well-documented as others, his involvement highlights the critical role African Americans played in the Union Army. The Civil War saw around 180,000 Black soldiers and sailors who contributed significantly to the Union’s victory.

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