Existing comment:
Robert Gould Shaw, 1837-1863
Born Boston, Massachusetts
When Massachusetts Governor John Andrew organized the North's first regiment of African American troops, Robert Gould Shaw was offered the commission of colonel to head the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Infantry. After a brief period of training, the novice regiment of black volunteers was thrown into action in the occupation of the Sea Islands off of South Carolina. The regiment did not perform well and its role in the subsequent burning of Darien, Georgia, aroused controversy in the North and outrage in the South. On July 18, 1863, the Fifty-Fourth made its reputation with a courageous and doomed frontal attack on Fort Wagner, outside of Charleston. Shaw was killed, one of 272 casualties. The attack validated the African American presence in the military and was a powerful propaganda tool against the South. Shaw became a legendary figure, admired for his selflessness and sacrifice.
Whipple Studio, 1863 |