It is not known what regiment this group of soldiers came from or where the photo was taken. Out of a population of about 250, 104 free black Minnesotans volunteered for service in the Civil War. Many of these men became cooks, aides, or laborers at first, but as the war went on, more African American men fought on the front lines and all-black regiments were formed. This photograph also shows a few young boys, which was not unusual. Boys as young as 14 often served as musicians, couriers, or water carriers.