Was Robert Gould Shaw a real person?

Was Robert Gould Shaw a real person?

Robert Gould Shaw (October 10, 1837 – July 18, 1863) was an American officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Born into a prominent Boston abolitionist family, he accepted command of the first all-black regiment (the 54th Massachusetts) in the Northeast.

What was Robert Gould Shaw known for?

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.

Was Robert Gould Shaw a good leader?

Despite his image in the 1989 film Glory, Robert Gould Shaw was a reluctant leader of the famous 54th Massachusetts Infantry, one of the first African American regiments in the Civil War. Shaw was hesitant to leave his comrades for service in a regiment that he doubted would ever see action.

What was Robert Gould Shaw’s role in the Civil War?

Col. Robert Gould Shaw was the commanding officer of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, the first all-black regiment to fight for the Union during the Civil War. The story is told in the 1989 film “Glory,” with Matthew Broderick playing the role of Shaw.

Was 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.

Is Fort Wagner underwater?

Fort Wagner (also called Battery Wagner) was a fortification on Morris Island, South Carolina, that covered the southern approach to Charleston harbor. Much of the fort was earth barriers and sandbagged emplacements. The site of the fortifications is currently underwater.

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.

What happened to Robert Gould Shaws body?

As I understand it, Robert Gould Shaw’s parents decided to leave him buried in the mass grave near where he was mortally wounded at Fort Wagner.