PETERSBURG (Va.) THEN & NOW — A photo of the hanging of William Johnson, a USCT soldier, on June 20, 1864, paired with an approximate “Now” photo of the site.
Per Harper’s Weekly of July 9, 1864: “Private Johnson deserted and while away from camp attempted to 'commit and outrage on a white woman at Cold Harbor.' Considerable importance was given to this affair, in order that an example might be made more effective. Johnson confessed his guilt and was hung at Jordan's Farm, Petersburg, Virginia on June 20, 1864.”
“The hanging took place within the outer breastworks about Petersburg and on an elevation in plain view of Confederate troops. A white flag covered the ceremony.”
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