WE ARE FUNDRAISING FOR THE USCT PUBLIC SCULPTURE PROJECT

Call (910) 395-5999 or click here to make a donation

Wilmington United States Colored Troops
Public Sculpture Project
Project Unveiling November 13, 2021

Cameron Art Museum was the site of the Battle of Forks Road, a Civil War skirmish whose victory was won by the United States Colored Troops (USCT) and led to the fall of Wilmington. Many of the 1600 African-American soldiers who fought here were native to this area, and after the war, many of them stayed to settle, raise their families, establish educational opportunities, and build a thriving merchant class. Their impact is significant, yet their story is virtually unknown.

North Carolina artist Stephen Hayes has fashioned this life-size bronze sculpture from the cast features of 11 African American men connected to the site and its story -- USCT descendants, re-enactors, veterans, and community leaders. The sculpture is connected deeply to the community’s history, its present, and its future.

Stephen Hayes is the winner of the 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art. He teaches in the department of Art and Art History at Duke University. Hayes's work has been featured at the National Cathedral, Winston Salem State University, Duke University, CAM Raleigh, Rosa Parks Museum, African American Museum of Philadelphia, and Harvey B. Gantt Center, among others.

Click here to watch the Battle of Forks Road documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GvnOAN_8NQ&ab_channel=CameronArtMuseum

USCT Public Sculpture Project Fundraiser

Saturday, September 18, 2021, 5:30-8:30 PM

Tickets: $35

With your help, CAM will illuminate the story of the USCT and their contribution to the history of North Carolina through a dynamic figurative work of public art by artist Stephen Hayes.

Cameron Art Museum was the site of the Battle of Forks Road, a Civil War skirmish whose victory was won by the USCT and led to the fall of Wilmington. Many of the over 2,000 African-American soldiers who fought here were native to this area, and after the war, many of them stayed to settle, raise their families, and build community. Their impact is significant, yet their story is virtually unknown.

Want to support the USCT Public Sculpture Project? Check out our USCT Sculpture Project page to learn more and make a donation. Every donation makes a difference!