On the Union Army was the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, the first official black unit that was commanded by white officers. This Infantry Regiment led by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw made history fighting very hard in the failed attempt to capture Fort Wagner, where Shaw and more than half of the Regiment died. This heroic feat triggered the recruitment of many black soldiers into the Union Army, which was an important step forward in their integration.
Contrary to popular belief, the 54th Massachusetts was not the first Negro regiment that fought in the US Civil War. They are predated by others, including the very first African American regiment, the 1st Louisiana Native Guard. They mustered into Federal service in September 1862. The 54th would not enter until May 1863.
The 54th was the only all African American Union regiment in the civil war. They led an assault on Ft. Wagner, SC in 1863 and most of the men died as a result. A good movie on this is GLORY with Denzil Washington.
IMPROVEMENT
Only to point out that:
Before the 54th (colored) Massachusetts, the 1st Louisiana Native Guard was formally admitted into the United States Army on Sept. 27,1862.
Furthermore, 166 black regiments were formed during the war. As an appendage to the regimental title all became US. Colored Troops.
Therefore the 54th was not the only all black regiment in the Civil War.
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The men of the 54th Massachusetts said they would no longer accept their pay until they were paid the same as the white men. They did this as a form of protest against race discrimination.
The 54th Massachusetts, a black regiment, faced negative perceptions and intense scrutiny from the white soldiers. These challenges inspired a sense of unity within the regiment, and among their white leaders.
The 54th Massachusetts Regiment was an all-black infantry regiment organized in Massachusetts and lead by Col. Shaw and other white officers. It was one of the first black regiments organized by free black men of the North.
The 54th Massachusetts was formed by recruiting free black men from Massachusetts.
54th Regiment of Massachusetts
No. The 54th Massachusetts was not yet in existence when the Bull Run battles were fought.
Massachusetts Volunteers came from the state of Massachusetts.
there were approximatley 500 billion people in the 54th massachusttes
The 54th Massachusetts was the first african american regiment brought into Federal service.
Black
yes
They were the first afrcian American to volunteer.
Robert Gould Shaw
Bravery
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