Cameron Art Museum’s “Boundless” sculpture installation tour

Wilmington, NC (WWAY) — As the nation marks its 250th Independence Day, the Cameron Art Museum is highlighting the role of the United States Colored Troops in the Battle of Forks Road through a free guided tour of its permanent “Boundless” sculpture installation.

The museum will host a staff-led tour of the sculpture Friday at 1 p.m. The tour is included with museum admission.

The “Boundless” installation, created by North Carolina artist Stephen Hayes, honors the more than 1,800 United States Colored Troops who fought during the Battle of Forks Road in February 1865. The battle took place on land that is now home to the Cameron Art Museum and helped lead to the fall of Wilmington during the Civil War.

According to the museum, many of the soldiers had escaped enslavement before joining the fight for freedom.

The life-size bronze sculpture, unveiled in November 2021, was created using casts of 11 African American men connected to the site’s history, including descendants of United States Colored Troops, veterans, re-enactors and community leaders.

The installation is located in the PNC USCT Park on the museum grounds. Museum officials say the park is free and open to the public daily.

The Cameron Art Museum says the sculpture park is dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of the United States Colored Troops and serves as a place for reflection on their contributions to American history.