Monument to the 56th United States Colored Infantry, Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery (Lemay, MO)

The stone obelisk, which stands on a square stone base, honors the memory of the 175 African American soldiers of the 56th United States Colored Infantry who died of cholera in August 1866. The soldiers were originally buried at the city's old quarantine hospital near the Mississippi River. In 1939, responding to the organizing efforts of local citizens, the War Department reburied the soldiers at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In the summer of 2014, the Veterans Administration, at the urging of local community members, placed a marker next to the obelisk that includes the names of the 118 soldiers of the 56th U.S. Colored Infantry who are buried at the site, plus 55 soldiers whose remains were never recovered.

Surviving members of the 56^th United States Colored Troops

Inscription on obelisk:

"To the memory of 175 non com. officers and privates of the 56. U.S.C.  infantry. Died of cholera in August 1866.

The bronze plaque on the base, added in 1939, when the remains of the soldiers reburied in the national cemetery:

"1863- 1866

56th U.S. Colored Infantry

Their memory will not perish

Brigadier General N. Buford

July 27, 1864

This monument and remains were

Removed from Quarantine Station, M.O.

By Authority of War Department

Collaborating with Citizens Committee

And Dedicated May 1939

Joseph E. Mitchell, Chairman"

The bronze plaque in front of the stone obelisk includes the names of 118 soldiers of the 56th U.S. Colored Infantry who are buried at the site, plus 55 soldiers whose remains were never recovered.