Service of the 54th The Battle for Fort Wagner

Item contributed by Massachusetts Historical Society

A regiment of Black soldiers stand for a dress parade outside of Fort Wagner. Here is where the 54th Massachusetts proved themselves in the Second Battle of Fort Wagner on July 10, 1863. While an unsuccessful attack and the Union suffered tremendous losses, this battle and the 54th Massachusetts Regiment’s role in it, inspired thousands of African Americans to enlist. 

This photograph is included in Captain Luis Emilio’s collection of photographs related to the regiment, now at the Massachusetts Historical Society. 




About item:

Photograph, circa 1863-1864, 5.5 cm x 8.3 cm.
From the 54thMassachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment photographs.
Photo. 72.83.

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