NOVA Parks celebrates first Black Combatant for the Union Army

Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority and the Loudoun Branch of the NAACP celebrated Lewis A. Bell, believed to be the first Black American to fire a gun in support of the Union Army during the American Civil War at the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, despite laws forbidding it.

On Saturday, Feb. 18, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall, Loudoun NAACP President Pastor Michelle Thomas, and other local leaders participated in a Black History Month Commemoration at Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, to unveil a sign about this key historical figure.

“It’s inspiring to learn that Lewis A. Bell took up arms in support of the Union right here in Loudoun County,” said Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Randall. “This is just one story of our many Black American leaders who created our American history.” 

The Battle of Ball’s Bluff was fought on October 21, 1861, after Union troops moved on Leesburg, Virginia. In the violent battle, the Union Army lost nearly half their troops, including many who were captured. Lewis A. Bell, a free African American camp worker, was one of the men taken as prisoner.

Richmond newspapers describe a man named Lewis A. Bell as one of the captives from the battle. Before his capture, Bell is thought to have taken part in the battle; the 1870 edition of the History of Worcester in the War of the Rebellion says Bell “supplied himself with arms and loaded and fired with great spirit.” 

“NOVA Parks is telling the comprehensive, holistic history that makes all of us Americans. Featuring these important stories in our regional parks unites all Northern Virginians by creating a space that welcomes and engages our entire community,” said Loudoun County NAACP President Pastor Michelle Thomas.  

The interpretive sign being unveiled is part of a park history series focused on telling a more inclusive and complete history of Northern Virginia. It ties in with NOVA Parks’ new 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, including a pillar to foster Belonging by developing programs to engage the various cultures and communities represented in Northern Virginia.

“I am so very honored to dedicate this historical plaque in memory of the inconceivable courage and tenacity of Mr. Lewis A. Bell.” said Cate Magennis Wyatt, Chair of the NOVA Parks Board.

“Let us all take a moment and remember the very conscientious, intentional choices this man was making. At this early stage in the war, the question of slavery was still undecided. The South had succeeded because of their interest in continuing the slave economy, but the North had not yet made the choice of full emancipation for all. Lewis A. Bell understood what was at stake and showed us all the way.”  Wyatt continued. “Let us all remember that this man’s right to fight with the Union Army for his freedom was not officially permitted until the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation.” 

Visit novaparks.com/ParkHistory for more stories uncovered in NOVA Parks.

Founded in 1959 as a conservation organization, NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) represents three counties and three cities — Arlington County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, the City of Alexandria, the City of Falls Church, and the City of Fairfax. The regional agency manages 35 parks with 12,380 acres of parkland.

Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, managed by NOVA Parks, is the site of one of the largest Civil War engagements in Loudoun County. Located in Leesburg, Virginia, the 223-acre park features a United States National Military cemetery established in 1865 to honor 54 Union soldiers who fought in the battle. Both the battlefield and cemetery are designated as National Historic Landmarks. Ball’s Bluff National Cemetery is also a part of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area. The park offers signs about the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, an interpretive trail, and a captivating view of the Potomac River.