Second Annual 29th & 30th Connecticut Colored Regiment Memorial Walk

To commemorate the161st anniversary of Connecticut’s 29th and 30th Colored Regiments’ return from the Civil War, the Alex Breanne Corporation, in collaboration with Connecticut’s Old State House, will host a memorial walk on Saturday, November 21, 2026. Opening ceremonies will begin at 9:00 a.m., and the walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. Participants will retrace the soldiers’ footsteps through downtown Hartford, beginning and ending at Connecticut’s Old State House, located at 800 Main Street. The full route covers 3.1 miles (5K), with an optional one-mile route for those who prefer a shorter walk.
This event is FREE and open to the public.
To RSVP, click here: http://ct-dc.org/qr.asp?q=AlexBreanne2026.
On their return to Hartford on November 24th, 1865, Governor William Buckingham greeted the 29th & 30th Connecticut Colored Regiments at Connecticut’s Old State House. They were heroes, having been among the first regiments to enter Richmond, VA, the burning capital of the Confederacy. The men saw President Abraham Lincoln arrive to tour the devastation.
The men were celebrated in New York, but on their way back to Connecticut, they learned that Connecticut citizens had rejected an amendment to remove the word “white” from the state’s voter qualifications just one month earlier. Understanding their disappointment, Governor Buckingham gave a speech to encourage the men, celebrating their bravery and asking them to be patient with Connecticut citizens. A parade then occurred through the streets of Hartford, the route documented in the Hartford Courant newspaper of the day.
ABOUT THE WALK
Throughout the journey around Downtown Hartford, participants will learn about the historic buildings, landmarks, and events connected to the soldiers’ march. A web link will provide walkers access to a live audio tour to listen to on their smartphones using headphones or earbuds. The narration, coordinated with the walk, will offer historical insights as participants encounter significant locations along the route. After the walk, a reception will be held at Connecticut's Old State House.
ABOUT ALEX BREANNE CORPORATION
Alex Breanne Corporation, a non-profit organization founded by John Mills, was established to use research and broader context to identify and address the many reverberating effects of chattel slavery. Through research and interrogation, the organization shares lesser-known stories that represent the life experiences of the American enslaved, presented from an African American perspective. The organization focuses on promoting social clarity and informed context about the African-American experience through nonprofit equity advocacy.