First All-Black Regiment Authorized: On This Day, 1863

African Americans have served in every conflict in United States history, beginning with the American Revolution. However, it was not until the Civil War, and the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation, that free African American men were officially sanctioned to join the US Army. On January 26, 1863, the 54th Massachusetts volunteer infantry was created by the War Department, becoming the first all-black regiment in US history. The 54^th Massachusetts, led by white general Robert Gould Shaw, had to struggle to gain respect, recognition, and equal pay. 

The Gallant Charge of the Fifty Fourth Massachusetts Currier & Ives print below depicts the regiment on their July 18, 1863 attack on Confederate forces in Fort Wagner, South Carolina. Though the attack - in which over half the regiment died - was unsuccessful, the 54^th Massachusetts’ efforts showed the courage and dedication of black soldiers. 

More than 186,000 African Americans—including 94,000 former slaves from Confederate states—would ultimately serve in the Union Army.

Learn more about African American contributions to the military in this interactive exhibiton.