The 54 Massachusetts was composed of African American soldiers. They were considered volunteers because they refused to take lower pay than the white soldiers. Instead of taking lower pay, they decided to not be paid at all, so it would be said that they volunteered. Several enlisted because after a certain amount of time, they would gain their freedom.
The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment consisted of African American volunteers, many of them former slaves, initially commanded by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw.
The meaning of the number has no particular significance. Permission to form a militia regiment was granted by the US War Department to the Governor of a state. I suppose the "54" was the next available number.
The Massachusetts 54
The Massachusetts 54
Summary of the action-Forces Engaged: 6,800 total (US 5,000; CS 1,800) Estimated Casualties: 1,689 total (US 1,515; CS 174) Description: After the July 11 assault on Fort Wagner failed, Gillmore reinforced his beachhead on Morris Island. At dusk July 18, Gillmore launched an attack spearheaded by the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, a black regiment. The unit’s colonel, Robert Gould Shaw, was killed. Members of the brigade scaled the parapet but after brutal hand-to-hand combat were driven out with heavy casualties. The Federals resorted to siege operations to reduce the fort. This was the fourth time in the war that black troops played a crucial combat role, proving to skeptics that they would fight bravely if only given the chance. Result(s):Confederate victory273 members of the 54th died in the failed attack on Ft, Wagner.
The 54th Regiment of Massachusetts was a Volunteer Infantry that showed an extended service in the American Civil War. It consisted of black soldiers.
The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was an all-black unit, commanded by white Colonel Robert Shaw
The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment consisted of African American volunteers, many of them former slaves, initially commanded by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw.
This is the famous Massachusetts 54th Infantry Regiment, colored troops. They were led by white officers, Colonel Robert Shaw commanding
They were the first to volunteer 54 times in a row.
US Army (also called the Yankee Army, Blue Coats, Northern Army, Union Army, and Federal Army).
Robert Gould Shaw lead the 54 Massachusetts
The meaning of the number has no particular significance. Permission to form a militia regiment was granted by the US War Department to the Governor of a state. I suppose the "54" was the next available number.
In March 1863.
The Massachusetts 54
The Massachusetts 54
The Massachusetts 54