By Associated Press
Paducah, KY – A troop predominantly made up of black soldiers who defended Paducah from Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest now has a state historical marker in its honor. The 8th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery held off an assault by western Kentuckians under Forrest's command on Fort Anderson, where Paducah's Julian Carroll Convention Center now stands. The 8th was the first unit formed and posted to Kentucky to accept black troops. Jim Hank of Paducah, a member of Friends of the 8th, told The Paducah Sun that where the soldiers fought is "hallowed ground" similar to World War Two battlefields where American troops fought and died. McCracken Judge Executive Van Newberry says he was proud to contribute to the historical marker.