Marvin Tupper Jones
Feb 20, 2022
The 3rd Civil War Historical Marker for Chowan Discovery
A long-forgotten but significant event in North Carolina’s Civil War will get a new North Carolina Highway Historical Marker in Elizabeth City. Wild’s Raid was a significant event in North Carolina’s Civil War when 2000 African American soldiers conducted a raid in northeastern NC, from December 5 to December 28 in 1863. Most of the soldiers had been enslaved only months before and many were returning to their home communities to rescue family and neighbors. The raid, named after its leader General Edward A. Wild, was the first time U.S. soldiers of color conducted combat operations in North Carolina.
The raid destroyed rebel camps and supplies, killed guerillas who fought against the United States, and rescued over 2000 enslaved women, children and men. The marker is provided by the North Carolina State Office of Archives and History and was nominated by Marvin Tupper Jones of the Chowan Discovery Group. It is Jones’ ninth successful historical marker nomination.
The ceremony, followed by the unveiling, took place on October 30th at Elizabeth City’s Mariner’s Wharf Park on Water Street. Elizabeth City Mayor Bettie Parker welcomed the attendees. Nine reenactors representing women and soldiers of color took part. The City of Elizabeth City and the Elizabeth City State University provided support for the event.
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