Middletown African Americans in the Civil War

Middletown, Conn. (WTNH) - Welcome to the General Mansfield House on Main Street, home of the Middlesex County Historical Society and a display called ' Hard & Stirring Times: Middletown and the Civil War .'

Our focus: The history of local African American soldiers.

"People are a bit surprised to learn that many African Americans lived in Middletown and secondly, actually served in the war and they did so quite willingly," said Executive Director Debbie Shapiro.

It all started with the Emancipation Proclamation back in 1863, Shapiro said. Out of nearly a thousand Middletown soldiers 20 were African American, and they served proudly.

The soldiers saw action in Petersburg and Richmond, Shapiro said. "Towards the end of the war they also helped guarding prisoners of war as well as seeing heavy action in both of those battles."

How about the Powers Brothers? James Powers served in the 29th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry starting as a private.

"He was promoted to sergeant and he rose through the ranks," Shapiro said.

You can also read about Amster Dingle, also in the 29th, and a soldier from the 31st Infantry who gained popularity in the community -- Isaac Truitt.

"He served as a chimney sweep at Wesleyan for many years," Shapiro said. "He was even pictured in Wesleyan's yearbook for a number of years because he was much beloved by the students."

The history lesson doesn't stop inside. Outside, you can visit their final resting place along Vine St.

"All three of these gentlemen are buried almost side by side in the cemetery that's across the street from the Beman Triangle," Shapiro said.

The Beman Triangle is the location of Isaac's house, still standing and on Connecticut's Freedom Trail .

A short local field trip that has a long history marking the Civil War's 150th anniversary.