Why was Robert Gould Shaw chosen to command the 54th Massachusetts?
Initially taking the command to appease his mother, Shaw eventually grew to respect his men and believed that they could fight as well as white soldiers. He was eager to get his men into action to prove this.
When was Gould Shaw born?
October 10, 1837
Robert Gould Shaw/Date of birth
Robert Gould Shaw, (born October 10, 1837, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.—died July 18, 1863, Fort Wagner, near Charleston, South Carolina), Union army officer who commanded a prominent regiment of African American troops during the American Civil War.
Why was Robert Gould Shaw important in the Civil war?
Robert Gould Shaw (October 10, 1837 – July 18, 1863) was an American officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. They inspired hundreds of thousands more African Americans to enlist for the Union, helping to turn the tide of the war to its ultimate victory.
When did Robert Gould Shaw join the army?
When the call went out for black men to join the Union Army, he was among the first to enlist. He joined the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Regiment in February 1863 for a three-year term. He quickly impressed Colonel Shaw and the other officers with his bravery and strength.
What happened to Robert Gould Shaw?
Union Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and 272 of his troops are killed in an assault on Fort Wagner, near Charleston, South Carolina. Shaw was commander of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, perhaps the most famous regiment of African American troops during the war.
How old is Gould Shaw?
25 years (1837–1863)
Robert Gould Shaw/Age at death
What did Robert Gould Shaw do before the Civil War?
Robert Gould Shaw served as colonel of the 54th Massachusetts, one of the first Black regiments to fight in the Civil War. Born in Boston, Shaw grew up in the city’s elite social and political circles before the Civil War.
Where is Robert Shaw buried?
Beaufort National Cemetery, Beaufort, SC
Robert Gould Shaw/Place of burial
Was Robert Gould Shaw’s body recovered?
Union casualties for the day numbered more than 1,500. Union Brigadier General Quincy Granville sent an inquiry to the Confederate commander of Fort Wagner, asking about the disposition of Shaw’s body. The reply was that Col. Anderson, of the Confederate Army,” although his body was not recovered.