Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial

The Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Massachusetts Regiment Memorial on Boston Common.

Elizabeth Ann Jordan

Quick Facts

Location:

On Boston Common across from the Massachusetts State House

Significance:

Memorial to the first Black regiment from the North to serve in the Civil War.

The Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54^th Regiment Memorial commemorates one of the first Black fighting units to serve in the American Civil War. Through their bravery at Fort Wagner, the 54^th helped erode northern public opposition to the use of Black soldiers and inspired the enlistment of nearly 200,000 African Americans during the war.

To honor the memory of the 54^th, Bostonians commissioned Augustus Saint-Gaudens to create this stunning memorial, which is considered among the finest pieces of American art. Since its dedication in 1897, the monument has served as a powerful place for the military to honor its legacy as well as an inspiration and gathering space for artists and activists alike. National leaders such as Harriet Tubman and Colin Powell have participated at events here and the memorial continues to provoke and engage people from across the city, nation, and world.

Learn More...

🔊 Listen: Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54th Memorial on the Black Heritage Trail Audio Tour

🔊 Listen: Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54th Memorial on the Freedom Trail Audio Tour

Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment - Boston African American National Historic Site

Witness to History (shaw54thwitnesstohistory.org)

Harriet Tubman at the Robert Gould Shaw/54th Massachusetts Regiment Memorial.

The Ongoing March: Commemoration and Activism at the Robert Gould Shaw/54th Massachusetts Regiment Memorial.