Second Battle of Fort Wagner
Fort Wagner, Morris Island, South Carolina, USA
What happened
Union troops under Quincy Gillmore, led in the attack by the 54th Massachusetts under Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, fought Confederate defenders under William B. Taliaferro. After an eight-hour bombardment, Union troops attacked Fort Wagner at dusk. The 54th Massachusetts, a regiment of African American soldiers, led the assault and reached the top of the fort's wall but was driven back. The rest of the attack also failed.
Why it matters
The courage of the 54th Massachusetts was widely praised. It encouraged more African Americans to join the Union army, giving the Union a manpower advantage the Confederacy could not match.
What came next
Union forces besieged the fort, and the Confederates abandoned it on 7 September 1863. Sergeant William Carney of the 54th later received the Medal of Honor for saving the regiment's flag.
Did you know?
Carney's is the earliest action for which an African American was awarded the Medal of Honor; he said, 'Boys, the old flag never touched the ground!'
Timeline
- 18 Jul 1863The 54th Massachusetts leads the attack on Fort Wagner.
- 7 Sep 1863Confederates abandon Fort Wagner.
- 1989The film Glory tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts and this battle.