 | GenghisTheHun (181)
07/18/2006 | Today is July 18. On this day in 1863, the 54th Massachusetts, the first organized Black (Afro-American) regiment led a valiant but unsuccessful attack on Fort Wagner, also known as Battery Wagner on Morris Island, Charleston, South Carolina.
This was actually the second attack on that position. The first occurred on July 11. The Confederates were dug in and waiting.
Colonel Robert Gould Shaw led the regiment on foot while it charged and was killed in the assault.
This assault on the fort is dramatized in the Academy Award winning film, "Glory."
Five units attacked but the 54th MA was given the post of honor. The Union Forces suffered 1600 casulties.
(2 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |