West A. Hamilton

West A. Hamilton was a teacher, military officer, publisher, and civic leader in the United States.

Biography

He was the son of John A. Hamilton and Julia West Hamilton, a prominent community leader. He graduated from Dunbar High School in Washington D.C. and Miner Teachers College. In 1905 he enlisted in the National Guard. He served with the 10th Cavalry Regiment of Buffalo Soldiers. He and his brother Percival Y. Hamilton established Hamilton Printing Company in 1910 and published the Sentinel newspaper. They advertised in The Crisis. He served on the District of Columbia School Board.

He commanded the 366th Infantry. On March 15, 1941, the Pittsburgh Courier reported that a “Lack of Officers Nearly Cost Race 366th Command.” The article stated "Lack of enough Negro Lieutenant Colonels to serve under him almost cost Col. West A. Hamilton command of the 366th Infantry, the Associated Negro Press learned this week. But pressure exerted on the War Department caused army officials to go through with their original plans of having an all-Negro Army staff." "Colored" men were not allowed to command whites.

He spoke before a congressional committee in favor of a museum and gathering place in Washington D.C. to honor the contributions of African Americans in the United States. He wrote to W. E. B. Du Bois about Ferdinand D. Lee's efforts for the National Memorial Association to establish a museim honoring African Americans and their contributions including as soldiers for the United States.

Anacostia Community Museum has a collection of his papers.