Us Colored Troops Attack At Peach Orchard Hill

Peach Orchard Hill, also called Overton Hill, was the site of significant fighting during the second day of the Battle of Nashville on December 16, 1864. The majority of soldiers were from the 12th, 13th and 100th United States Colored Troops (USCT) within the 2nd Colored Brigade, commanded by Maj. Gen. James Steedman. With little to no combat experience, almost 40% of the 13th regiment were wounded or killed as they fought to reach the Confederate line, including 5 color bearers.

Due to continued pressure by the USCT regiments, the Confederates were forced to send two brigades from the left flank to reinforce troops at Peach Orchard Hill. This maneuver resulted in thinning the Confederate line, the fall of Shy’s Hill, and Confederate defeat. Both U.S. and Confederate leaders heralded the bravery of the USCT. As U.S. Gen. George Thomas inspected the battlefield, he told his staff, “gentlemen this settles it, the Negro will fight!”