The Second Battle of Fort Wagner: July 18, 1863

Context and Prelude

The Second Battle of Fort Wagner was a crucial engagement during the American Civil War, taking place on July 18, 1863, near Charleston, South Carolina. This battle was part of the Union’s effort to capture the Confederate-held Fort Wagner on Morris Island, which guarded the southern entrance of Charleston Harbor. The fort’s strategic location necessitated its capture to facilitate a potential attack on Charleston, a vital Confederate port city.

The 54th Massachusetts Infantry

The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, played a significant role in this battle. The regiment was one of the first major American military units composed predominantly of African American soldiers, enlisted after the Emancipation Proclamation. Their involvement in this battle represented a significant moment in military and civil rights history, symbolizing the fight for freedom and equality.

The Assault

On the evening of July 18, 1863, the 54th Massachusetts led a frontal assault on the heavily fortified Confederate position. The attack began after a prolonged naval bombardment intended to weaken the defenses of Fort Wagner. However, when the Union troops advanced, they faced intense Confederate artillery and musket fire. The 54th Massachusetts bravely charged the fort’s parapet, showcasing exceptional valor despite suffering substantial casualties.

Outcome and Aftermath

Despite the heroic efforts of the 54th Massachusetts and other Union regiments involved in the assault, the attack on Fort Wagner was ultimately unsuccessful. The Union forces could not maintain their hold on the fort, and the battle resulted in approximately 1,515 Union casualties, including the death of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, compared to about 174 Confederate casualties.

The courage displayed by the 54th Massachusetts did not go unnoticed. The battle notably demonstrated the effectiveness and bravery of African American soldiers, challenging prevailing prejudices of the time and paving the way for greater acceptance and utilization of black troops in the Union Army. Their sacrifice drew national attention, furthering the abolitionist cause and contributing to a broader support for the inclusion of black soldiers in the military effort.

Broader Historical Significance

While the direct military objectives of the Second Battle of Fort Wagner were not achieved, the battle had significant moral and symbolic implications. It highlighted the critical role African American soldiers would play in the fight against the Confederacy and in the eventual Union victory. The story of the 54th Massachusetts was later immortalized in the form of literature and film, ensuring the bravery displayed by these soldiers was forever etched in American history.