The Massachusetts 54th
Related historical timeline created with Timeliner (Nobles grad, Tom Snyder)
The Massachusetts 54th Regiment was one of the most celebrated regiments of black soldiers that fought in the Civil War. The regiment was formed in early 1863 by twenty-six year old Robert Gould Shaw, the son of a well-known abolitionist. The Regiment was the idea of Massachusetts governor John A. Andrew and famous ex slave and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Recruits for the regiment were found from all over the country. The men came to fight of their own free will.
"O; give us a flag, all free without a slave.
We'll fight to defend it as our fathers did so brave.
The gallant Company A will make the rebels dance.
And we'll stand by the Union if we only have a chance."
Some of the soldiers were free black men and some were runaway slaves from the southern states. The soldiers of the 54th were proud to fight for their union. Many people believe that black soldiers were better because they were fighting for their own freedom. Some of the soldiers included Lewis N. Douglass and Charles Douglass, sons of Frederick Douglass. The 54th became famous after the heroic, but ill-fated, assault on Fort Wagner, South Carolina on July 18, 1863. The regiment volunteered to lead the direct assault even though they knew it was going to be hard. The regiment was asked before the attack began by General Stone, "who will pick up the flag if this man falls?" The legendary captain of the regiment stepped forward and replied, "I will." The 54th suffered enormous casualties before being forced to withdraw. Shaw also became one of the casualties during this famous battle. He was buried in a general grave with his soldiers where he belonged. The courage and sacrifice of the men helped to dispel doubt within the Union Army about the fighting ability of black soldiers and earned this regiment undying battlefield glory.
Sources Used
http://www.awod.com/gallery/probono/cwchas/54ma.html
One Gallant Rush: Peter Burchard
We'll Stand by the Union: Peter Burchard
Civil War Soldiers: Joyce Hansen
Other links on the 54th
54th Pictures!
By Devin Green
Noble and Greenough School
Class of 2000
History Teacher: Libby Budinger
