First African American Soldiers

The service of African American soldiers in the Union Army during the American Civil War (1861-1865) is an important part in African American history. These soldiers served loyally and proved their worth in battles, winning a permanent place in the post-war U.S. Army.

In 1862, the 1st South Carolina Volunteer Regiment, recruited from freed slaves, was organized as the first Union Army regiment organized with African American soldiers in the Civil War.

54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry

In March 1863, Governor of Massachusetts John A. Andrew authorized the formation of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He handpicked Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, a 25-year-old white man, as its commanding officer.

In May the same year, Shaw recruited free blacks from all over New England. And finally, the 54th Massachusetts Regiment was mustered into service in the Union Army. The regiment was the first military unit composed of men of African descent to be organized in Massachusetts. Recruits came from all parts of Massachusetts, many from outside the state. Among its recruits were Lewis Douglass and Charles Douglass, sons of Frederick Douglass, the famous former slave and abolitionist.

¡¯Forward, Fifty-fourth!¡¯

The Union Army wanted to seize Fort Wagner situated on the northern tip of Morris Island at the entrance of Charleston, South Carolina to weaken the Confederate grip on the state. The 54th Regiment was ordered to spearhead an assault on Fort Wagner on July 18, 1863.

The 54th had amply proved its worth and earned its greatest fame when it led the unsuccessful and controversial assault on Fort Wagner. When addressing his soldiers before leading them in charge across the beach, Shaw said, ¡°I want you to prove yourselves. The eyes of thousands will look on what you do tonight.¡±
Shaw was killed at this battle, along with many black soldiers under his command. Before he died on the crest of the enemy parapet, Shaw shouted, ¡°Forward, Fifty-fourth!¡±

Legacy

A ceremonial regiment of the Massachusetts Army National Guard was named as the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment on Nov. 21, 2008 as a descendent of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. The new unit was invited to march in President Barack Obama's inaugural parade in 2009.

More than a century after the war, the 54th Regiment remains the most famous black regiment of the war, due largely to the popularity of the movie ¡°Glory,¡± a 1989 American drama war film starring Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman. The movie recounts the story of the regiment prior to and including the attack on Fort Wagner.