A memorial stone to Ben Jackson, who fought in the American Civil War. A memorial stone to Ben Jackson, who fought in the American Civil War. (CBC)

A black Nova Scotian sailor who fought for the North during the American Civil War was honoured Saturday at a ceremony in Lockhartville, N.S.

A headstone was dedicated to Ben Jackson, who died in the village at age 80 on Aug. 20, 1915.

The headstone was unveiled in the Stoney Hill Cemetery during a re-enactment of a civil war funeral service by the 20th Maine Infantry Regiment. The re-enactment was complete with period costumes and muskets.

Annie Bird, a member of the committee that organized the event, said Jackson was a hero who helped save the lives of other sailors during several battles, including one off the coast of Alabama.

"When someone does something like that, I feel we are honouring all of us. We are honouring the black people; we are honouring the white people and there should be no prejudice," she said Saturday. "And that's one reason why it's nice to honour Ben Jackson."

The memorial stone was unveiled by one of the regiment and one of Ben Jackson's great-great-granddaughters.

Taking part in the ceremony were Nova Scotia's Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis, the first black woman to hold the office, as well as Premier Darrell Dexter and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage Percy Paris.

A piper and members of the Royal Canadian Legion also took part.

Jackson returned to Nova Scotia after the Civil War, and was well known in Hants and Kings counties. A road near Windsor, N.S., is named after him.