IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
This media is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.
Artist
Merritt & VanWagner, active c. 1886 - ?
Sitter
Christian Abraham Fleetwood, 1840 - 1914
Date
c. 1890
Type
Photograph
Medium
Albumen silver print
Dimensions
Image/Sheet: 14.7 × 9.8 cm (5 13/16 × 3 7/8")
Mount: 16.4 × 10.8 cm (6 7/16 × 4 1/4")
Topic
Costume\Headgear\Hat\Cap
Personal Attribute\Facial Hair\Mustache
Personal Attribute\Facial Hair\Goatee
Interior\Studio\Photography
Photographic format\Cabinet card
Christian Abraham Fleetwood: Male
Christian Abraham Fleetwood: Military and Intelligence\Army\Soldier
Christian Abraham Fleetwood: Medal of Honor
Portrait
Place
United States\District of Columbia
Credit Line
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Object number
NPG.2015.92
Exhibition Label
Born Baltimore, Maryland
Sergeant Major Christian Fleetwood was one of the first African Americans to be awarded the Medal of Honor. In September 1864, as the Union army struggled to advance on the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, Fleetwood and 1,100 soldiers of the Fourth United States Colored Troops received orders to attack southern forces entrenched at New Market Heights. Under withering enemy fire that decimated his brigade and cut down its color guard, he risked his life to keep the U.S. flag from falling into Confederate hands. In recognition of this conspicuous act of bravery, Fleetwood received nation’s highest military award.
Nacido en Baltimore, Maryland
El sargento mayor Christian Fleetwood fue uno de los primeros afroamericanos en recibir la Medalla de Honor. En septiembre de 1864, mientras el ejército norteño de la Unión pugnaba por avanzar contra Richmond, Virginia, la capital de la Confederación sureña, Fleetwood y 1,100 soldados de la Cuarta Tropa de Personas de Color de Estados Unidos recibieron órdenes de atacar a las fuerzas sureñas atrincheradas en New Market Heights. Bajo el fuego aniquilante del enemigo que diezmó su brigada y arrasó con la escolta del estandarte, Fleetwood arriesgó su vida para impedir que la bandera de Estados Unidos cayera en manos confederadas. En reconocimiento de este acto insigne de valentía, recibió el más alto galardón militar de la nación.
