The United States Colored Troops (USCT) Memorial Statue to the more than 700 African American soldiers and sailors from St. Mary’s County who served in the Union forces during the American Civil War is located in Lancaster Park. The memorial was completed and dedicated in 2012.  It also includes an interpretive signage pathway between the monument and the Interpretive Center.  The service of USCT soldiers and sailors was vital to the success of Union forces in the war and would ultimately contribute to the liberation of all enslaved peoples of St. Mary’s County and the United States as a whole. Most men were recruited by the Union Army at special stations in St. Mary’s County, which offered freedom to slaves who volunteered for service Two soldiers honored by the memorial became medal of honor recipients, William H. Barnes and James H. Harris for their heroism at the Battle of New Market Heights.