In February 1865 drives were launched against Confederate forces from both sides of the Cape Fear River as the Union Army sought to control Wilmington. Two brigades of U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) joined that effort at Forks Road south of Wilmington. A N.C. Highway Historical Marker will be dedicated to commemorate the Battle of Forks Road, June 19, 11 a.m., at the intersection of South 17th Street and Independence Boulevard in Wilmington.