150 Years Later, Tracing Sherman's March Through The Steps Of A Former Slave

Among the soldiers on Sherman’s March to the Sea 150 years ago were former slaves.

One of them, according to documents from the time, was named Patrick Sneed. He’d escaped from slavery in Savannah, fled north, and joined the Union Army.

Last month, Anthony Cohen - a descendant from Sneed’s family - retraced that march on foot and bicycle. He’s also working on a film about the experience.

Cohen is president of the Menare Foundation in Germantown, Maryland. The nonprofit group works to preserve the history of the Underground Railroad.

He first stumbled on Sneed’s name while reading through some legal papers filed by his great, great grandfather. GPB's Sarah McCammon profiles the trek.

To hear the full story, click on the player on the upper left hand side above the photo. Scroll down to see photos from Cohen's trip to find markers connected to his ancestor.

For more on the 150th anniversary of Sherman's march, visit GPB's television and web series 37 Weeks Sherman On The March.

Tags: Sherman's March, Civil War, Anthony Cohen, Patrick Sneed, Savannah, GPB Savannah, Sarah McCammon, GPB News