A new Civil War Trails site has been established at North Washington Street and Wood Lane in Rockville to honor Zedekiah Thompson, a formerly enslaved Black man who self-emancipated and later served in the U.S. Army’s 1st United States Colored Infantry. Unveiled as part of Black History Month, the site recognizes Thompson’s service and lasting contributions to history.
Developed in collaboration with local historians and Civil War Trails, Inc., this initiative is part of Rockville’s broader efforts to commemorate Black history. Thompson’s story now joins over 1,500 Civil War Trails sites across six states, including 18 in Montgomery County. These sites offer visitors a chance to engage with history firsthand, using trail maps and guides to explore significant landmarks.
Thompson escaped slavery at age 31 and enlisted in the 1st United States Colored Troops in June 1863. He was wounded in battles near Petersburg, Virginia, and later settled in Maine, where he lived until his passing at age 70.
The project was led by Rutgers University doctoral student Hugh Goffinet, with research support from Peerless Rockville, Montgomery History, and Rockville’s Historic Preservation Division. Civil War Trails, Inc. developed and installed the signage as part of its multi-state initiative, with backing from the Maryland Office of Tourism Development.