Pvt. George R. Rome’s Personal New Testament
Pvt. George R. Rome’s Personal New Testament
- Collection ID
- BIB.003796
- Type
- Bible - Printed Book
- Date
- 1864
- Geography
- United States
- Language
- English
- Medium
- Printed on Paper
- Dimensions
- 4.7 × 3.1 × .75 in. (12 × 8 × 1.9 cm)
- Exhibit Location
- Not on View
This New Testament was given to George R. Rome upon his enlistment in the Union Army in 1864. Rome was born in 1835 to free African American parents living in Providence, Rhode Island. He later moved to Worchester, Massachusetts. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, he and other African Americans were initially denied enlistment. The US government reversed its policy in 1863, however, and Rome became one of nearly 180,000 African Americans to fight for the Union. He eventually joined the 55th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, participating in several campaigns, including Sherman’s famous March to the Sea. Rome carried this Bible with him during his service, recording several notes in its pages about his location and encounters.
This New Testament was given to George R. Rome upon his enlistment in the Union Army in 1864. Rome was born in 1835 to free African American parents living in Providence, Rhode Island. He later moved to Worchester, Massachusetts. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, he and other African Americans were initially denied enlistment. The US government reversed its policy in 1863, however, and Rome became one of nearly 180,000 African Americans to fight for the Union. He eventually joined the 55th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, participating in several campaigns, including Sherman’s famous March to the Sea. Rome carried this Bible with him during his service, recording several notes in its pages about his location and encounters.
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