"That looks like [Shaw] the last morning I saw him. He was killed that night. That morning I gave him his last breakfast."
—Harriet Tubman

From the establishment of the regiment, the 54th Massachusetts had support from allies near and far. Local and national Black leaders assisted in recruitment efforts, while local groups gathered supplies for their success and comfort. Others wrote letters advocating for their equal pay, and communities provided support for veterans when they returned home from war.

This gallery features community members who rallied around the 54th regiment, as well as records of the efforts to establish and support the regiment during and after the Civil War.

Gallery 1: Boston Supporters

When President Lincoln called for the raising of Black Regiments, many community leaders, abolitionists, and politicians organized efforts to enlist volunteers from across the country. Learn about some of the notable supporters in Boston.

Leonard Grimes

During the Civil War, Grimes joined the chorus of Black leaders agitating for the enlistment of black soldiers and was rewarded in 1863 with the… Explore More >

During the Civil War, Grimes joined the chorus of Black leaders agitating for the enlistment of black soldiers and was rewarded in 1863 with the creation of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the war’s first African American regiments. Explore More >

Wendell Phillips

During the Civil War, Phillips staunchly advocated for the raising of Black regiments, including the 54th Massachusetts. He gave many speeches in support of… Explore More >

During the Civil War, Phillips staunchly advocated for the raising of Black regiments, including the 54th Massachusetts. He gave many speeches in support of these regiments and encouraging men to join in the war effort. Explore More >

John J. Smith

John J. Smith served as a leader in the Black neighborhood of Beacon Hill in Boston. Due to his well-respected status in the community, Smith… Explore More >

John J. Smith served as a leader in the Black neighborhood of Beacon Hill in Boston. Due to his well-respected status in the community, Smith helped recruit enlistees for the 54th Regiment as well as the Fifth Calvary unit. Explore More >

Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin

Most known for her work as a suffragist and women’s rights activist, Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin also supported the 54th Massachusetts Regiment. Her earliest public… Explore More >

Most known for her work as a suffragist and women’s rights activist, Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin also supported the 54th Massachusetts Regiment. Her earliest public service dates to the Civil War, during which Ruffin recruited African American men for the 54th and 55th Massachusetts infantry regiments. Explore More >

Joshua B. Smith

Boston abolitionist and caterer Joshua Bowen Smith supported and fed Civil War soldiers who passed through the city. After the Battle of Fort Wagner,… Explore More >

Boston abolitionist and caterer Joshua Bowen Smith supported and fed Civil War soldiers who passed through the city. After the Battle of Fort Wagner, Smith advocated for the creation of a memorial to honor Colonel Robert Gould Shaw. Explore More >

Lewis Hayden

Lewis Hayden, Boston’s most prominent Underground Railroad operative, is often credited with giving Governor John Andrew the idea to form a Black regiment. He also… Explore More >

Lewis Hayden, Boston’s most prominent Underground Railroad operative, is often credited with giving Governor John Andrew the idea to form a Black regiment. He also assisted with recruiting volunteers for the 54th Massachusetts Regiment in Boston. Explore More >

Studio portrait of Gov. Andrew, Boston, Mass., undated

John A. Andrew served as governor of Massachusetts between 1861 and 1866. A staunch abolitionist, Andrew advocated for and established the 54th Regiment, one of… Explore More >

John A. Andrew served as governor of Massachusetts between 1861 and 1866. A staunch abolitionist, Andrew advocated for and established the 54th Regiment, one of the first African American units in the American Civil War. Explore More >

Browse and search the full collection of Supporting the 54th: