Who was the commander of the 54th Massachusetts?
In September 1862 Shaw was wounded at the battle of Antietam. While recovering from his wounds he was offered command of the African American Massachusetts regiment. After contemplating the idea for a while he accepted the role as commander of the 54th Massachusetts regiment in 1863. Colonel Robert Gould Shaw.
What war did the 54th Regiment fight in?
54th Regiment, in full Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts infantry unit made up of African Americans that was active during the American Civil War (1861–65). The 54th Regiment became famous for its fighting prowess and for the great courage of its members.
Where did the 54th Massachusetts fight in the Civil War?
The 54th Massachusetts fought up until mid-April 1865 at the Battle of Boykin’s Mill in South Carolina. The 54th engaged the highly outnumbered Confederate troops in a successful attack that left two men killed and thirteen wounded.
When did the 54th Massachusetts return to Boston?
The 54th Massachusetts returned to Boston in September 1865. On Memorial Day 1897, the sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens unveiled a memorial to the 54th Massachusetts at the same spot on the Boston Common where the regiment had begun its march to war 34 years before.
When did the 54th Massachusetts attack Fort Wagner?
600 men attacked Fort Wagner in the early evening of July 18th 1863. After a preliminary bombardment by Union navy warships and artillery batteries located on Morris Island. The 54th Massachusetts launched a full frontal assault on the fort which was heavily defended by well entrenched Confederate troops.
How many men were killed at the 54th Massachusetts?
Fighting for control of the fort took place for about an hour when the determined Confederate defenders finally forced the 54th Massachusetts to retreat. With a total attacking force of 600 men, 272 were either killed, wounded, or captured. They lost almost half of their men attacking Fort Wagner.
Why was the 54th Massachusetts so famous in the Civil War?
The 54th Massachusetts launched a full frontal assault on the fort which was heavily defended by well entrenched Confederate troops.