The African American Civil War Memorial Wall of Honor was recognized by the Guinness World Records for having the most names on a war memorial.

As of January 2024, the wall displayed over 209,145 names of soldiers in Washington, D.C.

The monument, established in July 1998, honors the service of soldiers who fought for the Union in the American Civil War.

In a press release during Black History Month 2024, The African American Civil War Memorial Freedom Foundation announced that the Memorial Wall of Honor, listing the names of 209,145 Black soldiers and their White officers, has been acknowledged as the “Most Names on a War Memorial.”

Frank Smith, founding director of the African American Civil War Memorial Freedom Foundation, worked with the District of Columbia Government and the public to raise funds to build the Memorial Wall of Honor.

Smith stated, “We have worked hard since 1998 to research the names and place them on stainless steel plaques for all to see, and the Guinness recognition makes the recognition worldwide.”

Smith added, “When America is debating the great values of democracy, it is good to have international recognition, many of whom gave what President Lincoln would call ‘Their Full Measure’ to defend Freedom and Union in the American Civil War.”

The African American Civil War Memorial Wall of Honor is located at Vermont Avenue and U Streets in Washington, D.C.; it sits on federal land and is under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service.

A museum across the street accompanies the memorial and is currently closed for an $8 million renovation scheduled to be completed in the Fall of this year.