06/19/2026
Today we commemorate Juneteenth, a day that marks the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality.
As we preserve and share history, we recognize the importance of learning from the past and honoring the stories that have shaped our nation.
Martin Thomas (1856–1903)
Martin Thomas was the first well-known person of color to live in Tripoli. He was born on a cotton plantation in Alabama and, as a young child, was given as a Christmas gift to one of the plantation owner's eldest sons.
One night, when Martin was about 10 or 11 years old, he learned that Union ("Yankee") troops were only ten miles away. Seizing his chance for freedom, he made a bold dash for liberty and successfully reached Union lines without incident.
The soldiers welcomed him, and a cavalryman took him under his wing, providing him with a horse and a uniform that was twice too large for him. Martin remained with the Union troops for a time before eventually coming to Bremer County with Volney Streeter.
Later, Martin married and worked on the railroad in Tripoli, IA. He became well known among local residents and was remembered as quite a character with a big heart. He died of pneumonia in 1903 at the age of 58.
