Why was the 54th Massachusetts Regiment famous?
It was an African American unit that was noted for heroism in battle.
It was a Union replacement unit that turned the tide at the Battle of Gettysburg.
It was composed of men under the age of 20.
It was the only integrated unit during the Civil War.
1 answer
The 54th Massachusetts Regiment was famous for being the first African American unit in the Union Army during the Civil War. The unit was composed of free African American men, many of whom were former slaves, and was led by Robert Gould Shaw. The regiment fought bravely in several battles, including the Battle of Fort Wagner, and their heroism and courage helped to inspire other African Americans to join the Union Army.