African Americans contributed to the Union war effort on the home front by working as carpenters and surgeons.
During the American Civil War, the Union, also denominated the North, referred to the United States of America and particularly to the national government of President Abraham Lincoln and the 20 free states and four border and slave states that provided their support.
In the Union army, more than 179,000 African American men served in over 160 units, as well as more serving in the Navy and in support positions.
The first commanding officer to serve in the Union Ary was Martin Delany.