A new Civil War Trails site honoring Zedekiah Thompson, a formerly enslaved man who self-emancipated and served in the United States Army, has been established at the intersection of North Washington Street and Wood Lane. The site, created in partnership with local historians and Civil War Trails, Inc., is part of Rockville’s recognition of Black History Month.
Thompson escaped slavery at 31, enlisting in the 1st United States Colored Troops in June 1863. Wounded during battles near Petersburg, Virginia, he lived out his postwar years in Maine, dying at age 70.
The project was spearheaded by Rutgers University doctoral student Hugh Goffinet, with further research contributions from Peerless Rockville, Montgomery History and Rockville’s Historic Preservation Division. Civil War Trails, Inc., developed and installed the signage as part of its multistate initiative, with support from the Maryland Office of Tourism Development.
Thompson’s story joins over 1,500 Civil War Trails sites across six states, including 18 in Montgomery County. These locations allow visitors to engage with history firsthand, using trail maps and guides to explore significant landmarks.
“At Visit Montgomery, we value Montgomery County’s African American heritage and historic sites,” said Kelly Groff, president and CEO of Visit Montgomery.. By sharing their important stories, we honor the resilience, sacrifice, and triumph of those who came before us and will be remembered for generations to come.”