Maryland has long been touted as “America in Miniature,” and while that venerable tourism-boosting label refers to geographical diversity, the Maryland-as-microcosm description perfectly encapsulates the Old Line State during the Civil War. Perched on the faultline of a nation ripped in two, Maryland was home to North America’s largest free Black population, but it also was home to a vociferous secessionist element and had a slaveholding governor (pro-Union but pro-slavery Thomas Holliday Hicks of Dorchester County) at the war’s outset.
Maryland’s schizophrenic duality manifested on the local level as well. In Easton, rival pro-Union and pro-secessionist newspapers put their opposing spins on every development from the front. Cousins from Trappe fought against each other at Culp’s Hill during the Battle of Gettysburg. Few, if any, other chapters in Talbot County’s history are as rich with such fascinating complexities.
And now, a new exhibit at the Talbot Historical Society is shedding light on a compelling aspect of that story—the role of Black troops in the war. “With Valor and Honor: Talbot County’s United States Colored Troops (USCT) During the Civil War” recently opened at the Society’s museum at 25 South Washington Street in Easton and will be on view through next April.
The product of six months’ worth of exhaustive research by Historical Society staffers and volunteers, the exhibit has begun to enjoy a turnout that’s “been incredible,” said Operations Manager Kayla Weber. “A lot of people from Talbot County are coming out, which is great to see. I think word-of-mouth is definitely helping it.”…