Memorial Day and Civil War History

In the final months of the Civil War, the Confederate Army turned a horse racing track into a prison for Union soldiers, where 260 men died and were buried in a mass grave. After the war, 28 African-American workers gave them proper burials. Two weeks later, thousands of freed slaves, school children, and Union soldiers held a procession to honor their sacrifice, laying flowers and listening to speeches. This observance evolved into Memorial Day, a holiday to honor all US military personnel who died in service. Lawrence Fishburn concludes with a call to subscribe for more historical content.

What was the original purpose of the location that the Confederate Army converted into a prison?

• A school

• A marketplace

• A church

• A horse racing track

How many Union soldiers were buried in the mass grave?

• 260

• 400

• 150

• 300

Who were responsible for giving the Union soldiers proper burials after the war?

• Confederate soldiers

• Local townspeople

• Union generals

• 28 African-American workers

What activities took place during the procession to honor the Union soldiers?

• Laying flowers and listening to speeches

• A sports event

• A concert

• A military parade

What did the informal observances eventually become known as?

• Memorial Day

• Independence Day

• Veterans Day

• Labor Day

What is the purpose of Memorial Day as described in the video?

• To honor all those who have died in service

• To commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence

• To celebrate the end of the Civil War

• To recognize the contributions of African-American workers