An important but long-overlooked event from the Civil War in North Carolina soon will get a new North Carolina Highway Historical Marker in Elizabeth City.
Wild’s Raid, which saw about 2,000 African American soldiers conduct reconnaissance patrols and attacks in northeastern North Carolina from Dec. 5-25, 1863, was the first time United States soldiers of color conducted major operations in North Carolina.
The campaign, named after its leader Gen. Edward A. Wild, destroyed rebel camps and supplies, killed guerillas who fought against the United States and rescued nearly 2,500 enslaved women, children and men. Most of the soldiers in the campaign had been enslaved only months before and many were returning to their home communities to rescue family and neighbors.
An unveiling ceremony will take place on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 2 p.m., at Mariner’s Wharf Park on Water Street in Elizabeth City. Mayor Bettie Parker will welcome attendees. The city of Elizabeth City and Elizabeth City State University will provide support for the event.
For more information about North Carolina Highway Historical Markers, contact Ansley Wegner at ansley.wegner@ncdcr.gov.
About the Chowan Discovery Group
The mission of the Chowan Discovery Group is to research, document, preserve and present the history of the Winton Triangle, a 280-year-old landowning community of people of color. In carrying out the mission of the CDG, we endeavor to enrich the Roanoke-Chowan area and beyond. The Chowan Discovery Group is a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt charitable organization.