The 54th Massachusetts Infantry

During the Civil War, African Americans soldiers were able to play a significant role. There were several African American units, but the 54th Massachusetts Infantry became the most recognized. Their bravery and courage silenced those who doubted their ability and inspired many other blacks to join in their ranks.

The 54th Massachusetts Infantry was the one of the first African American Civil War Regiments to be formed. Robert Gould Shaw, who was from a prominent Boston abolitionist family, organized the troop. Massachusetts’s governor John A. Andrew appointed him colonel of the 54th in February 1863. A month later, the 54th was formed at Camp Meigs, in Readville, Massachusetts. Enlistees included both former slaves and free blacks from the north. Among the recruits were Lewis N. Douglass and Charles Douglass, the sons of Frederick Douglass.

After recruitment and training, the unit was sent to Hilton Head, South Carolina. It was there that their actions proved their competence. On July 18, the troops were ordered to lead the attack at Fort Wagner. They charged ahead as they were bombarded by gunfire from Confederate soldiers. Casualties were high, and by the end of the battle, 250 troops died, including Shaw. While the attack was unsuccessful, this battle brought them recognition.

The regiment received praise for their bravery. William Carney was given individual tribute for a heroic act. Carney was a 23-year-old enlistee assigned to Company C. While suffering from a head, leg, and hip wound, Carney saw that the soldier who was carrying the flag had been wounded. He got up, ran to the flag through a volley of bullets, and delivered it to his regiment. As he fell to the ground he cried, "Boys, the old flag never touched the ground!" For his actions, Carney received the Medal of Honor. He was the first African American to receive it. The flag now hangs in Boston's Memorial Hall near the bronze mural honoring the 54th Infantry.

After Shaw's death, Edward N. Hallowell from Medford, Massachusetts became the new commander. The regiment participated in other battles in Charleston during the rest of 1863. In February 1864, the regiment was assigned to help the forces in Jacksonville, Florida. From Jacksonville, they went on to the battle of Olustee where there assistance was in great need. The 54th, along with the 35th United States Colored Troops, helped the Union regiments on the front line.

In addition to the 54th's participation in several battles, it was equally notable that even though they were paid less than white soldiers were, they remained steadfast in their commitment. They did their best despite the inequality that existed. Little did the 54th know that while they fought in Olustee, Congress was busy passing a bill, which guaranteed equal pay for African American soldiers. At the time, black soldiers were paid $7 a month, while white soldiers were paid $10 a month. This was soon changed with the passage of the congressional bill.

The 54th Infantry surprised its critics as they proved to be a strong force against Confederate troops. They received praise for their courage and bravery, and became a vital part of the Civil War. Even today, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry is the most recognized African American Civil War regiment.