The first African-American regiment raised in the North, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry served with honor until the end of the Civil War.
Is the present war so much higher and holier than the war of the Revolution, that the employment of black soldiers would lower its charact er or debase its purpose? Are our Generals so much better than Washington, and Jefferson, and Jackson, that they may be contaminated by the apparition of negro regiments in their camps?
— “What Our Fathers Did,” Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, Sept. 20, 1862)
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Fort Wagner was an integral part of the defenses of Charlest on Harbor. The attack on the fort failed due to poor coordination by the Union officers commanding the battle, and the 54th suffered terrible casualties in the costly assault.
- Courtesy of Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division
On January 26, 1863, Massachusett's Governor John Andrew was authorized to raise a regiment of African American soldiers. Recruiting began immediately, and by May over 1000 men had enlisted in the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Under the command of Boston native Robert Gould Shaw, the soldiers were sent to South Carolina to participate in the operations against Charleston. In July 1863, the 54th valiantly lead the assault on Fort Wagner and lost over 200 men. The regiment continued to serve in the South, and fought bravely in several more batt les before returning to Boston in August 1865.
New State Flag
During the assault on Fort Wagner, the regimental flag was torn from its staff and captured by the enemy. A new color was sent to replace it.
Massachusetts Archives
Sketches of the 54th
These drawings were made by Captain Nathaniel Appleton, a white officer in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry. Drawn while under fire at the battle of Secessionville, July 16, 1863, they provide a rare depiction of the 54th in action.
- Courtesy of West Virginia Regional History Collection, West Virginia University Libraries
Letter describing the Battle of Olustee
The 54th Infantry fought in several other battles after Fort Wagner. This letter describes the 54th’s role in the Battle of Olustee, Florida.
- Massachusett's Archives