Summary

The Battle of Fort Wagner began on July 18, 1863 and ended September 7, 1863. The battle was fought at Fort Wagner on Morris Island, South Carolina. The battle began when Union Col. Robert Gould Shaw lead the 54th Massachusetts regiment to try to take the fort. The 54th Massachusetts regiment was made up of a majority of free African Americans. The regiment managed to get inside the fort but ultimately lost and suffered heavy casualties. Col. Robert Gould Shaw died during battle. Other regiments were then called to attack the fort until the Confederates finally surrendered the fort. The Union General, Quincy Gillmore was not pleased about how long it took to take the fort.

The 54th Massachusetts regiment attacking Fort Wagner.