The Untold Story of the First Memorial Day

Charleston, South Carolina, May 1, 1865: A story of the first Memorial Day. The Civil War had just ended. In the aftermath, a remarkable event unfolded in Charleston. Ten thousand people, including thousands of Black children, gathered to honor the Union soldiers who had perished in the conflict. This spontaneous tribute, organized by African Americans, marked the first ever Memorial Day. The event took place at the Old Planters' Race Course, which had been converted into an open-air prison by the Confederates. The marchers carried armloads of roses and flowers and sang. "It was an extraordinary parade," recounts a historian. This event underscores the resilience and agency of African Americans in shaping American history and traditions.