Lest We Forget
The 8th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery (USCHA) was the first African American artillery unit to be recruited in Kentucky. First called the 1st Regiment Kentucky Heavy Artillery, African Descent, the unit was later designated as the 7th U.S. Colored Field Artillery before becoming the 8th USCHA.
Thomas Terrell was born in Tennessee about 1830. It is not known how or when he came to Ballard County. He is not listed as a free person of color on the census of 1860. Thomas enlisted at Paducah, Ky on September 10, 1864 and was mustered out in Victoria, Texas on February 10, 1866. His grave is marked with a government issued headstone.
These three stones were in a completely overgrown fence row for decades. A county crew that was clearing some overgrowth uncovered them. We keep them cleared out now.
Quick park and grab, not far off the highway. The road is not heavily traveled and you can pull to the side safely, to retrieve the cache. Log, pencil, and swag in place. Have fun, and thank Thomas for his service.