Introduction

• The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Division, formed in Boston, enlisted free Northern Blacks with solid educational backgrounds, including two sons of Frederick Douglass. The unit was depicted in the movie “Glory,” which had several inaccuracies and an undue focus on Colonel Robert Gould Shaw.

Formation and Composition

• Enlistment began in the basement of the African Meeting House.
• Lewis Douglass, Frederick Douglass’s son, was appointed Sergeant Major, the highest rank for a Black soldier at the time.

Misrepresentation in “Glory”

• The film emphasized Colonel Shaw’s role, overshadowing the contributions of Black soldiers like Lewis Douglass.
• Incorrect portrayal of Northern Black intellectuals as cowardly compared to Southern ex-slaves.

Combat and Valor

• The 54th saw significant action in battles such as James Island, Olustee, and Fort Wagner.
• Colonel Shaw and a third of the regiment were killed in the assault on Fort Wagner.
• The 54th’s bravery helped prove the effectiveness and valor of Black soldiers.

Disparities and Protests

• Black soldiers faced higher mortality rates and unequal pay compared to White soldiers.
• The 54th protested unequal pay by serving without it for a year, achieving equal status in 1864.

Post-War Contributions

• By the end of the Civil War, 200,000 Black soldiers had served, with significant contributions from seceded, border, and free states.
• SGM Lewis Douglass, after surviving Fort Wagner, made notable contributions post-war, including founding The New National Era newspaper and serving in various governmental roles.

Conclusion

• The 54th Massachusetts Infantry’s story is one of bravery and struggle against systemic inequalities, highlighting the vital contributions of Black soldiers during the Civil War. The misrepresentations in popular media underscore the need for accurate historical accounts that honor their legacy.