Installed in 2000, the Civil War’s 2nd Regiment Infantry, U. S. Colored Troops monument is dedicated to the black Union soldiers who defended the Federal post at Fort Myers against the Confederate attack in February 1865.

A single black soldier standing at ease with his rifle before a wall with a gate represents the gateway to freedom from slavery. Also known as the Sgt. Clayton statue for the ton of clay required to sculpt the bronze figure, the monument is located in Fort Myers’ Centennial Park

Information provided by the Florida Division of Historical Resources, a division of the Florida Department of State.