1st Louisiana Native Guard — Black Soldiers in the War Between the States
The 1st Louisiana Native Guard was one of the earliest Black military units organized during the American Civil War. Its story is powerful because it began in Confederate Louisiana and later became part of the Union fight for freedom.
In 1861, when Louisiana joined the Confederacy, free men of color in New Orleans formed the 1st Louisiana Native Guard, a militia unit. Many of these men were skilled workers, business owners, property owners, and community leaders. Some joined under pressure to prove loyalty in a dangerous political climate, while others hoped that military service would protect their families and status.
But the Confederacy never fully trusted Black armed soldiers. The Native Guard was not given real combat opportunities, and their service was limited.
When Union forces captured New Orleans in 1862, the situation changed. Many of the men who had been ignored by the Confederacy offered their service to the Union Army. Under Union command, the 1st Louisiana Native Guard became one of the first officially recognized Black regiments in U.S. military service.
Their courage was tested at Port Hudson, Louisiana, in 1863. During the assault, Black soldiers charged heavily defended Confederate positions under brutal fire. They suffered severe casualties, but their bravery challenged racist doubts about whether Black men would fight with discipline and courage.
The 1st Louisiana Native Guard helped open the door for the creation of the United States Colored Troops, proving that Black soldiers were not just fighting for the Union—they were fighting for freedom, citizenship, dignity, and the future of their people.
Descendants of the Taken Ones.
Know your history. Honor your ancestors. Preserve their legacy. Their legacy stands as a reminder: before freedom was fully written into law, Black men were already willing to risk their lives to claim it.
They were soldiers of courage,
defenders of freedom,
and early warriors in the long march toward Black citizenship.
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