The 54th Massachusetts Regiment was one of the most renowned Black American units to serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized 1863, the regiment was composed primarily of free Black men from Massachusetts and other Northern states. Under the leadership of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, the 54th Massachusetts became a symbol of Black American valor and determination in the fight against slavery and oppression.
The regiment's most famous moment came during the assault on Fort Wagner near Charleston, South Carolina, on July 18, 1863. Despite facing heavy casualties and intense enemy fire, the 54th Massachusetts displayed extraordinary courage and perseverance. Though they were unable to capture the fort, their bravery and sacrifice earned them widespread acclaim. Through their example of courage more than 180,000 Black men joined the Union Army to Defeat the Confederacy. President Abraham Lincoln credited these men of color with turning the tide of the war.
The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.
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The 54th Massechusetts Regiment