Battle Detail

Fort Wagner II/Morris Island

Other Name:
Second Assault, Morris Island
Campaign:
Operations Against Defenses of Charleston
Date(s):
April-September 1863
Principal Commanders:
Brigadier General Quincy Gillmore [US] Brigadier General Pierre Beauregard [CS]
Forces Engaged:
6800 total (US 5000; CS 1800;)
Estimated Casualties:
1737 total (US 1515; CS 222;)
Description:
After the July 11 assault on Fort Wagner failed, Gillmore reinforced his beachhead on Morris Island. At dusk July 18, Gillmore launched an attack spearheaded by the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, a black regiment. The unit's colonel, Robert Gould Shaw, was killed. Members of the brigade scaled the parapet but after brutal hand-to-hand combat were driven out with heavy casualties. The Federals resorted to siege operations to reduce the fort. This was the fourth time in the war that black troops played a crucial combat role, proving to skeptics that they would fight bravely if only given the chance.
Results:
Confederate Victory
CWSAC Reference #:
SC007
Preservation Priority: