The Story of the Massachusetts 54th Colored Regiment by Michael W.

When the Civil War began in 1861, many black citizens saw it as a chance to join the Union army and fight alongside their fellow companions. However, they were rejected at every turn, being told that the Civil War was a "white man's war" and that they had no place fighting in the war as a result. Although the Lincoln Administration actually considered using black soliders in the war, they ultimately decided not to out of fear of losing the border states. It was only after the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 that African Americans were finally allowed to serve in the Union army and fight in the Civil War as a result. Many black reigments were created during the war, mostly made up of black soldiers and were commanded by white officers, including the Massachusetts 54th Regiment. Led by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, the Massachusetts 54th Regiment fought in many important battles during the Civil War, where they showcased their courage and bravery during these seemingly dangerous tasks. However, the Massachusetts 54th Regiment faced many problems over the course of their existence such as being paid less than their white companions and the loss of over half of their ranks including their own commanding officer Colonel Shaw during the Battle of Fort Wagner in 1863. Nevertheless, the Massachusetts 54th Regiment managed to overcome these obstacles and became one of the most courageous and brave regiments in the Union army, and would eventually turn the tide of the war in the Union army's favor in the years approaching to the end of the Civil War. The 54th Massachusetts Regiment would later be memorialized in the years after the Civil War had ended with the creation of a monument dedicated to them located in the Boston Common. Many people participated in the unveiling of the monument dedicated to the Massachusetts 54th Regiment including surrviving members of the regiment as a way for them to honor the sacrifices that the Massachusetts 54th Regiment made to protect their country just like every other American in the United States.