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African American Civil War Memorial & Museum

African American Civil War Memorial & Museum, Washington DC

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African American Civil War Memorial & Museum

See all things to do
See all things to do
African American Civil War Memorial & Museum
4.5
102
#97 of 483 things to do in Washington DC
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About
The African-American Civil War Museum and Memorial was created to tell the story and pay tribute to African-Americans who fought in the Civil War.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Upper Northwest
How to get there
  • U St • 4 min walk
  • Shaw – Howard University • 6 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,927 within 3 miles
Ben's Chili Bowl
2,114
0.2 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast Food
Ted's Bulletin 14th Street
787
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Busboys and Poets
1,056
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
&pizza - U Street
142
0.2 mi$ • American • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
Compass Rose
152
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • International • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Right Proper Brewing Company
138
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Brew Pub • Bar
Tico
238
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Latin • Sushi
Maydan
139
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Lebanese • Mediterranean • Middle Eastern
Thai X-ing (515 FL Ave)
127
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
Nellie's Sports Bar
105
526 ft$ • American • Bar • Pub
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Attractions
404 within 3 miles
Black Fashion Museum
1
465 ftSpeciality Museums
Westminster Playground
3
0.1 miPlaygrounds
Lincoln Theatre
57
0.2 miTheaters
Greater U Street Neighborhood Visitor Center
3
0.2 miVisitor Centers
Ben's Chili Bowl Mural
2
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Harrison Playground
1
0.3 miPlaygrounds
Howard Theatre
98
0.3 miTheaters
U Street
77
0.3 miNeighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Lincoln Memorial
31,603
2.3 miMonuments & Statues
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
11,860
2.1 miMonuments & Statues
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Popular mentions
4.5
102 reviews
Excellent
64
Very good
25
Average
9
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Pamela C
Atlanta, GA92 contributions
Great visit.
Feb 2020
This was an excellent trip where we visited lots of museums and monuments. We loved seeing the history of our country.
Written January 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brianabulls
Miami, FL393 contributions
African Americans in The Civil War
Nov 2019 • Family
The African American Civil War Memorial is a really cool sight. It isn’t just one sided so you can walk around a get multiple views. Surrounding the monument are silver plaques dedicated to African Americans that fought in the war. Our tour guide told us that Michelle Obama found one of her relatives on a plaque.
Written April 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
worldexplorer53
New Orleans, LA633 contributions
small museum with a big story
Jan 2020
contrary to a previous review we would say that there is a lot here. the history of the african american role in the civil war is huge. while this museum in no way rivals the smithsonian for grandeur and expense of its exhibits, there is still a powerful lesson of history to be learned. the "living history" actor posing as a member of an african american army regular was fun as he showed us the use of the arms of that unit and answered questions. allow about 1 hour. there is no entry fee.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
amymcg
Market Lavington, UK18 contributions
Favourite museum ever
Oct 2019 • Family
This museum is absolutely fantastic. My second visit, it didn’t fail to disappoint. My children are 10 and found it really interesting. It’s particularly poignant on the lower floors, so the contemplation court is perfect to sit and reflect. The upper floors bring so much joy. The cafe is excellent, the staff are fab.
Written October 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HonestMcHonest
Denver, CO960 contributions
Not much here
Sep 2019 • Solo
This is not part of the Smithsonian - it is basically nothing more than a bunch of posters - there are few if any original artifacts.
Written October 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DMGAmes_Iowa
Ames, IA547 contributions
Poignant monument to African American soldiers not always known to Americans
Sep 2019
This poignant memorial with its large bronze sculpture honors the some 220,000 African American and Hispanica soldiers and 20,000 black sailors who served the Union during the Civil War. The sculpture was designed by black sculptor, Ed Hamilton, of Louisville, KY. Commissioned by the DC Arts and Humanities Commission in 1993 and dedicated in 1997. Important for all to know the contributions by brave soldiers of color during the Civil War.
Written October 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tom M
Seattle, WA32 contributions
Wonderful off-the-beaten-path museum -- well worth it
Sep 2019
It is my understanding that the memorial and museum fulfilled a lifelong dream of Dr. Frank Smith, Jr., a four-term member of the D.C. district council, who oversaw the dedication of the African American Civil War Memorial in July 1998, to honor African Americans who fought for freedom as "USTC" (United States "Colored" Troops). Both are a wonderful tribute to those troops. The museum is as others suggest not huge or overwhelming yet chock-full of interesting and oft-times moving information and displays. While I was there a docent gave an informative and emotional talk that was great. Do not miss the memorial -- it's across the street from the entrance to the museum. It is a small but potent and memorable tribute to the USCT. If you want to get off the beaten path of the Mall, and learn something while paying tribute to American heroes, go here. (My photos are "OK' but don't capture the power of the statutes, and there was NO way I could bring to life the plaques listing the names of the 200,000 (yes, two hundred thousand) USCT who served, so I didn't include those.) (P.S. It's hard to decide how much time to recommend. I chose 1-2 hours because like many/most museums if you try to ingest everything it can be a bit overwhelming -- you literally could spend days if you read everything. So 1-2 or 2-3 depending on YOU.)
Written October 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
alsally1139
Atlanta, GA44 contributions
History hits you in the gut.
Sep 2019 • Couples
A meaningful display of the horrific history of slavery, Jim Crow, and American racism. In spite of such hardships this museum documents the fight of freedom by many heroic people.
Written September 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alicia
6 contributions
The African American Civil War Museum
Aug 2019 • Couples
I selected this Museum because my husband is interested in military history and I am so happy that I did. The exhibit is not large, but it is jam packed with information that every American should know about the African American heroes who fought for the Union and Confederate armies. The young man who was our Museum docent was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The information that we received at the African American civil War Museum was the perfect introduction to the National Museum of African American history and culture that we subsequently visited. By the way, the African American Civil War Memorial is directly across the street. My only comment is that this Memorial should be larger so that the sacrifices of those men are not missed.
Written August 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lholt6
5 contributions
Excellent Place To Visit
Jul 2019 • Family
Excellent wonderful site to see, very informative, would definitely recommend. Clean we kept area that gives you a lot of information.
Written July 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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