If you’re going to be in Raleigh the second weekend of September, the North Carolina State Capitol historic site is offering a glimpse into the lives of Black soldiers after the Civil War.
Reenactors from the Hannibal Guards, a United States Colored Troops living history group, will be on the State Capitol grounds 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 10, and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 11 to demonstrate drills and guard posts.
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This event is free and no reservations or tickets are necessary. The public can also visit the Capitol, which will be open for self-guided tours both days.
The reenactors will portray Capt. George Willis’ Company H, 1st North Carolina State Troops, stationed in Raleigh in 1870. Visitors can expect an immersive setting with the costumed interpreters who will discuss North Carolina during Reconstruction and there will be activity stations that highlight voting, the Kirk-Holden War in 1870, and the role of the Freedmen’s Bureau during Reconstruction.
The Hannibal Guards are dedicated to telling the story of the United States Colored Troops from 1862-1866 as accurately as possible, through the art of historical interpretation. Members of the Hannibal Guards are from Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., North Carolina, New York, Illinois and Missouri and regularly participate in events with county parks, the National Park Service, and local historic sites along the East Coast, according to the organization.
The State Capitol’s mission is to preserve and interpret the history, architecture and function of the 1840 building and Union Square. It is within the Division of State Historic Sites within the state Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and located at One Edenton Street, Raleigh.
For additional information visit https://historicsites.nc.gov/.
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