The Battle at Fort Wagner

The Battle at Fort Wagner

This battle was part of the Union’s plan to cut off Southern trade routes by capturing ports. This fort on Morris Island was one of the Union’s targets.

On July 10, 1863, Union soldiers landed on the heavily fortified southern end of Morris Island, and the following day they were bombarded by heavy fire. The Union held back their troops for a week while their navy barraged the Confederate forces, which were fighting hard to save the South.

Morris Island S.C, depicting Fort Wagner's location,

in comparison to the 54th Massachusetts.

-WorldBook Online

"Well," he said, "'twas lost in a glorious cause, and if i'd lost my life i should have been satisfied. I knew what I was fighting for."
~ Anonymous black soldier who lost and arm in battle.

Finally, on July 18, 1863, the Union attacked, with the 54th Massachusetts at the front lines. They marched into battle, led by Shaw. There was a clear bond between Shaw and his regiment. He marched with them, unlike other white officers, watching from thirty paces back. Although the odds of surviving were dangerously low, the 54th attacked Fort Wagner bravely.

An Image Depicting the Battle. -54thmass.org

To The Importance of the 54th

To Effects of the 54th