Texas State Capitol, South Steps
Sponsored by the Buffalo Soldiers Museum and the Houston Civil War Round Table, an event honoring the First Texan to be awarded the Medal of Honor will take place on the South Steps of the State Capitol on Saturday, Sept. 27th between 1-3pm.
Milton M. Holland was born into slavery in Pinola County, Texas, in 1844. He and two brothers were purchased and freed by their supposed father, Bird Holland, who sent them to Ohio to be educated. Milton enlisted in the 5th U.S.C.T. on June 22, 1863. By August 1864, he had been promoted to Sgt. Major of the regiment. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his courage on Sept. 29, 1864, at the Battle of New Market Heights. The citation stated: “Took command of Company C, after all the officers had been killed or wounded, and gallantly led it.”
All are welcome to attend this ceremony, which will include the presentation of the colors by Buffalo Soldiers re-enactors, a short speech and the presentation of a plaque honoring Milton M. Holland. Email Jim Godlove at elzgdl@earthlink.net for further details.
THC historians will be in attendance.
