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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.

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14y ago

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