The First Memorial Day Was in Charleston – Led by Freed African Americans How Formerly Enslaved People in 1865 Sparked a National Tradition of Honor Charleston’s 1865 Memorial Day: A Bold Act of Remembrance The first Memorial Day wasn’t created by Congress or a president—it was born from the determination of newly freed African Americans in Charleston, South Carolina. On May 1, 1865, at the site of a former Confederate prison camp, Black residents organized a powerful tribute to honor Union soldiers who died for their freedom. At the Washington Race Course, where 257 Union soldiers were buried in mass graves, two dozen Black volunteers exhumed the bodies, reburied them properly, and enclosed the site with a white fence bearing the words “Martyrs of the Race Course.” Then, 10,000 people—mostly formerly enslaved individuals—gathered to commemorate their sacrifice with parades, speeches, hymns, and flowers. This remarkable event, described by historian David W. Blight, is now recognized by many as the true origin of Memorial Day. Competing Claims and National Recognition While Charleston’s 1865 ceremony is widely viewed as the first Memorial Day, towns like Waterloo, New York, and Columbus, Georgia also claim early commemorations. The holiday became official in 1868 when Major General John A. Logan, head of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), designated May 30 as Decoration Day. The first national observance was held at Arlington National Cemetery, and Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1889—moved to the last Monday in May in 1971. Despite its early significance, Charleston’s Memorial Day was largely forgotten. During the post-Reconstruction era, white Southern groups like the United Daughters of the Confederacy pushed narratives that minimized Black contributions. Books falsely credited white organizers, and public memory of the Black-led 1865 event was intentionally erased. Memorial Day Through the Eras: Black Voices Persist During Reconstruction (1865–1877), African Americans played a central role in Memorial Day ceremonies, especially in the South. These events weren’t just remembrances—they were political acts asserting the value of Black life and the moral victory of emancipation. Black veterans and communities built traditions that honored both fallen soldiers and their newly won freedom. But after 1877, with the rise of Jim Crow, Black Memorial Day participation was pushed to the margins. White narratives dominated, focusing on reconciliation and romanticizing the Confederacy. Still, Black communities held on. In cities like Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Black GAR posts protested discriminatory practices, while rural towns in Virginia and elsewhere maintained their own Decoration Day traditions in Black cemeteries. Modern Rediscovery of Charleston’s Legacy It wasn’t until historian David W. Blight’s 2001 book, Race and Reunion, that Charleston’s role in the first Memorial Day re-entered the national conversation. In 2017, a historical marker was finally placed at Hampton Park, the former racecourse, to honor the event. Despite these efforts, many Americans still don’t know that freed Black Americans were the originators of this national day of remembrance. Today, educators and advocates continue to push for inclusion of this history in schools and national observances. Social media campaigns and community events are reclaiming the true story behind Memorial Day—one rooted in freedom, justice, and African American resilience. Why It Matters Today The first Memorial Day in Charleston wasn’t just about honoring the dead—it was about declaring Black citizenship and demanding a seat at the table of American memory. This tradition has carried through generations, from the 54th Massachusetts Infantry to the Buffalo Soldiers, from World War II Tuskegee Airmen to present-day Black service members. Yet African American veterans still face disparities—from unequal treatment in the military to under-recognition in historical narratives. As we observe Memorial Day, remembering Charleston 1865 helps us confront those inequalities and recognize the full scope of Black contributions to U.S. military history and freedom itself. Keeping the Legacy Alive Teach the Truth: Schools should include the Charleston 1865 Memorial Day in history curriculums. Honor the Sites: Support preservation of Black cemeteries and historic locations like Hampton Park. Celebrate Black Veterans: Highlight African American service members in local Memorial Day events. Advocate for Equality: Use Memorial Day to support policy changes addressing racial disparities in the military. From Charleston’s racecourse to today’s parades and ceremonies, Memorial Day is more than a long weekend—it’s a story of sacrifice, freedom, and the enduring legacy of African Americans who made it possible.