54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Plaza

The 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Plaza in New Bedford honors Civil War soldiers.

New Bedford Historical Society

Quick Facts

Location:

21 Barkers Ln, New Bedford, MA 02740

Significance:

The 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Plaza is not only a memorial but also a historically significant site. It is part of the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and commemorates the recruitment of Company C of the 54th Regiment, one of the first African American units to fight in the Civil War.

54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Plaza
Locally known as Custom House Square, the 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Plaza honors one of the first African American regiments to serve in the Union Army during the Civil War. This historic plaza sits on the former site of the Tobey & Coggeshall Building, where Company C of the 54th Regiment was recruited. The Tobey & Coggeshall Building played a crucial role during the Civil War as a recruiting office for this regiment. While the building itself no longer stands, its historical significance is preserved through the plaza, which commemorates the bravery of the soldiers who enlisted there.

The plaza features bricks engraved with the names of soldiers from the 54th Regiment, including many who were from New Bedford. These bricks ground the national story of the 54th Regiment in the local context of this city, making it a personal and reflective space. Visitors can pause to honor the courage and sacrifices of these men, who not only faced the dangers of war but also the racism of their time.

The 54th Regiment's most heroic moment came during the Battle of Fort Wagner, where they led a valiant assault. Among them, Sergeant William Carney became the first African American to receive the Medal of Honor for his bravery in protecting the U.S. flag during the battle, refusing to let it fall despite being severely wounded.

Situated next to the U.S. Custom House, the plaza is a reminder of New Bedford's deep ties to both the abolitionist movement and the Civil War. It reflects the city’s rich history of whaling and its longstanding connection to the fight for civil rights. The Tobey & Coggeshall Building’s legacy lives on through the plaza, which is not only a historical memorial but also a place for community gatherings and ceremonies that honor the ongoing legacy of the 54th Regiment.

The plaza’s location within New Bedford’s historic district emphasizes the interconnected struggles for freedom, whether on Civil War battlefields or aboard the city’s whaling ships. Today, it stands as a place to reflect on the enduring values of equality, freedom, and justice.