Camp William Penn
by Donald Scott Sr., Arcadia Publishing
The latest release in the Arcadia Publishing series “Images of America,” Camp William Penn explores the fascinating history of the first and largest Federal facility to train black Union troops. Established on May 22, 1863, not far from Philadelphia, the training camp was backed by that city’s Union League and situated near the home of well-known abolitionist and antislavery advocate Lucretia Mott.
Scott’s book effectively functions as a pictorial primer to the 11 U.S. Colored Troops regiments formed here. Moreover, its wealth of photos documents the rich tapestry of a wartime community, including slaves, tycoons, feminists, abolitionists and Quakers.
Originally published in the October 2008 issue of Civil War Times. To subscribe, click here.
