Augusta, Alexander – Civil War

Description In 1850 Alexander Augusta enrolled in medical school in Canada.  He joined the Union Army in 1861, becoming the first African American physician to serve in Civil War, rising to the rank of major.  As a black man, he was attacked by mobs on the streets of Baltimore. White assistant surgeons complained to Lincoln about serving under a Negro officer, which resulted in his transfer to a hospital in D.C.  In 1868 he became the first African American to be appointed as faculty to a medical school: Howard University. This Alexander Augusta mug is part of our Civil War and African American Series profiling outstanding men and women who have helped shape our country in important and positive ways. The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history.  The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton.  He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia tone.  The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont. Mugs are food and microwave safe. To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing. Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.