Through their heroic, yet tragic, assault on Battery Wagner, South Carolina in July 1863, the 54th helped inspire the enlistment of more than 180,000 Black soldiers…a boost in morale and manpower that Lincoln recognized as essential to the victory of the United States and the destruction of slavery throughout the south.
The 54th Massachusetts numbered 600 men at the time of the assault. Of these, 270 were killed, wounded, or captured during the engagement. Colonel Shaw was killed, along with 29 of his men; 24 more later died of wounds, 15 were captured, 52 were missing in action and never accounted for, and 149 were wounded.
Many soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts remain in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Section 16 of Beaufort National Cemetery is one of the largest burial sites for soldiers of the regiment, many of whom died in the hospitals around the city of injuries and disease.
Artifact54th Massachusetts RegimentCollectionThe Underground RailroadThe African American Museumat the England ManorShare
Black Cavalry Troops Izayha (Student) These Black soldiers helped protect the nation’s westward expansion by building roads and participating in significant military actions, such as the Red River War (1874-1875) and the Battle of San Juan Hill during the Spanish American War (1898). These brave…
Harriet Tubman Mei (Student) Harriet Tubman was an escaped and formerly enslaved African woman who became The Conductor of the Underground Railroad. Harriet Tubman was known as the Moses of her people. She was born in Dorchester County Maryland, March 1822. Harriet was an American…
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