What Is 20th United States Colored Infantry

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 20th United States Colored Infantry was a Union Army regiment formed in 1863 during the American Civil War, composed of African American soldiers. It served primarily in the Gulf and Mississippi regions, participating in key campaigns to secure Union control and end slavery.

Key Facts

Formed in March 1864 in New Bern, North Carolina
Comprised over 1,000 African American enlisted men
Served in the Department of the Gulf under General Nathaniel P. Banks
Engaged in the Red River Campaign of 1864
Disbanded in December 1865 after the Civil War ended

Overview

The 20th United States Colored Infantry was one of over 175 regiments in the United States Colored Troops (USCT) established during the Civil War. Created to bolster Union forces and advance the cause of emancipation, it was composed entirely of African American soldiers led primarily by white commissioned officers.

Activated in 1864, the regiment played a vital role in Union military operations in the South, particularly in Louisiana and Texas. Its formation reflected a broader shift in Union policy to include Black men in combat roles, a move that significantly impacted both the war effort and the future of civil rights.

Recruitment began in March 1864 in New Bern, North Carolina, drawing freedmen and escaped slaves eager to fight for Union victory and personal freedom.
Over 1,000 men enlisted in the regiment, many of whom had previously been enslaved and saw military service as a path to dignity and citizenship.
Assigned to the Department of the Gulf, the unit operated under General Nathaniel P. Banks, participating in strategic efforts to control Confederate waterways.
Trained at Camp Stanton, Maryland, before deployment, where soldiers underwent rigorous drills to meet Union Army standards despite facing racial discrimination.
Did not see major combat but performed critical garrison and patrol duties, protecting supply lines and supporting larger campaigns in hostile territory.

How It Works

The 20th United States Colored Infantry functioned as part of the larger USCT structure, integrating African American soldiers into the Union war machine under specific organizational and command protocols.

Term: Soldiers enlisted for three years or the duration of the war, whichever was shorter. Reenlistment was rare due to high mortality and postwar demobilization.
Command structure included white officers at all commissioned levels, reflecting Army policy, though some Black non-commissioned officers led squads and maintained discipline.
Pay was initially $10 per month, $3 less than white soldiers, sparking protests until equal pay was mandated by Congress in June 1864.
Training emphasized drill and discipline, with regiments required to meet the same standards as white units despite limited access to quality equipment.
Medical care was inadequate; disease, particularly malaria and dysentery, caused more deaths than combat in many USCT regiments, including the 20th.
Postwar duties included occupation of Texas in 1865, helping enforce emancipation and protect freedpeople during the early Reconstruction period.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 20th United States Colored Infantry with other notable USCT regiments and white Union units:

Regiment	Formed	Key Campaigns	Combat Engagements	Disbanded
20th USCT Infantry	March 1864	Red River Campaign	Minor skirmishes	December 1865
54th Massachusetts Infantry	March 1863	Fort Wagner, Charleston	Major assault	August 1865
1st Louisiana Native Guards	September 1862	Port Hudson, Siege	Multiple engagements	October 1865
28th USCT Infantry	April 1864	Appomattox Campaign	Final battles of war	November 1865
6th Maine Infantry	May 1861	Bull Run, Fredericksburg	Multiple major battles	July 1865

The 20th USCT had fewer combat roles than celebrated units like the 54th Massachusetts, but its presence was crucial for maintaining Union control in rear areas. Its service highlights the diverse contributions of African American soldiers, from frontline assaults to logistical support, all under the shadow of systemic inequality.

Why It Matters

The 20th United States Colored Infantry symbolizes both the progress and limitations of racial inclusion during the Civil War. Though denied equal treatment, its soldiers helped dismantle slavery and laid the foundation for future civil rights advancements.

Proved African American valor under fire, challenging racist assumptions about Black soldiers' courage and competence in combat.
Contributed to Union victory by securing supply routes and occupying strategic regions, freeing white troops for frontline duty.
Advanced emancipation goals, as Black military service strengthened political support for the 13th Amendment.
Experienced systemic discrimination, including lower pay and harsher conditions, exposing ongoing racial injustices within the Union Army.
Set a precedent for future integration, influencing the formation of the Buffalo Soldiers and later desegregation of the U.S. military.
Preserved historical memory of Black contributions to national unity and freedom, often overlooked in mainstream Civil War narratives.

Today, the legacy of the 20th USCT endures as a testament to courage and resilience in the face of dual enemies: the Confederacy and institutional racism. Their service remains a cornerstone of African American military history.