Sgt. William Henry Barnes

Barnes came from St. Mary's County, Maryland, where he had farmed as a free tenant, and he enlisted at Norfolk on February 11, 1864, in Company C of the 38th United States Colored Infantry. At New Market Heights his regiment was among the Black troops sent against the center of the Confederate line, held by Gen. John Gregg's Texas Brigade; more than half of the attackers were killed, wounded or captured. His citation reads "among the first to enter the enemy's works; although wounded." He died at the Army hospital in Indianola on December 24, 1866.

What the plaque says

Sgt. William Henry Barnes On March 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed an act calling for all able-bodied men to join the National Forces. William Barnes joined the union army the following February. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia and six months later was wounded in the Battle of New Market Heights on September 29-30, 1864. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his efforts. In July of 1865, Barnes was stationed along the Texas border and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Barnes, assigned to the U.S. Colored Troops, was vital to the protection of the Texas government and its coastal and southern border. Barnes died of consumption in December 1866. He was buried at Indianola and then reinterred in San Antonio National Cemetery. (2012)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Indianola Cemetery — steps away
• Rene Robert Cavelier, Sieur de la Salle — 0.6 mi
• Indianola — 0.6 mi
• The Chihuahua Road — 0.8 mi