54TH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY REGIMENT AND ITS DARING CIVIL WAR RESCUE
When the American Civil War broke out, the North and South were pitted against each other, and the fate of how the country would move forward was in limbo. Blacks throughout the country were especially invested in this route to end slavery. Fighting for the Union, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was an all-Black group (Well, almost all Black. Their leader was a white Officer). Nonetheless, their incredible exploits would provide Union victories and astonishing tales. They even pulled a train, by man and horse, for 10 miles during a rescue mission. Get to know the Infantry that made an impact and helped to reunify the U.S. Related read: United States Colored Troops From Both Sides Helped the Union Win
What Is the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment?
The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was a unit of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) fighting for the Union during the American Civil War. It was the second Black regiment, formed after the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Authorized by the Emancipation Proclamation, it comprised of Black enlisted Soldiers led by white Officers. Training at Camp Meigs near Boston took place to prepare warfighters. Additionally, prominent abolitionists like Frederick Douglass were supportive of the USCT movement. Massachusetts Governor John Albion Andrew appointed Robert Gould Shaw, son of Boston abolitionists, as the regiment's Colonel. Departing on May 28, 1863, the 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry joined the X Corps in Beaufort, South Carolina, participating in operations against Charleston. This would include the famous Second Assault on Morris Island involving Fort Wagner on July 18, 1863 where significant casualties occurred. The regiment's actions, particularly at Fort Wagner, became iconic in Civil War history and popular culture, notably portrayed in the 1989 film Glory. However, the 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry Regiment had involvement in more exploits than the film portrays. One, in particular, would involve a rescue mission that took place in Florida requiring dedication and strength for a very unique task. Suggested read: John Brown's Raid: The Dress Rehearsal for the Civil War
A Railway Rescue Unlike Any Other
During the Battle of Olustee, the Confederates were hunkered in. The Union took the coastline but the Confederates didn’t care. They wanted inner Florida because of its importance, not only for the economy, but for the war effort. That’s where they made food for the rebel fighters. But now, the Union was working its way inland, hence the Battle of Olustee where the two sides met. Gen. Truman Seymour found success for the Union and kept going despite the diminishing food supply. Now, Gen. Seymour set his sights on the state’s capital Tallahassee. But rebel forces were ready and aware that he was following the Western Railroad. In the end, both sides had significant losses, and it would clock in as the second-bloodiest conflict for the Union out of the entire American Civil War. It was time to retreat, and retreat the Union did. That could have been the end of it, but it wasn’t. Eventually, the Confederates came back to attack the retreating Union Soldiers. There, were both the 35th U.S. Colored Troops and the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. This was almost the end, but the train bringing the wounded broke down. The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was up for the task. They went back for the train and got to work. After dragging the train three miles to Camp Finegan, they were able to find a bit of assistance through the acquisition of horses. From there, man and horse would pull the train carrying wounded men to Jacksonville in under two days. Their tenacity, bravery, fighting abilities, and strength are forever immortal. Such exploits were the true embodiment of what it means to serve. We should not forget their place in history.
The Legacy and Reactivation of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment
A monument by Augustus Saint-Gaudens currently commemorates the regiment. This tribute was added to the Boston Common along the Boston Black Heritage Trail. There was also a plaster of the monument at the entryway near the galleries with American paintings at the Paris Universal Exposition of 1900. Songs, poems, and movies are continuing their legacy. Today, their brave traditions carry on with a new generation. After reactivation on November 21, 2008, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment strives to provide military honors. This is happening under a new name, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment. Read next: The Montford Point Marines Were the First Black Marines to Serve