Massachusetts 54th Exhbit
A look at the Massachusetts 54th all African-American Unit
Who were the Massachusetts 54th?
The first all African-American soldiers who fought in war against the whites were called the Massachusetts 54th. This war was called the Civil War. The definition of civil is: of or relating to ordinary citizens and their concerns, as distinct from military or ecclesiastical matters. So the Massachusetts 54th were fighting for respect from the whites. However, they would have to gain discrimination, or death before they could earn respect.
What did the Massachusetts 54th have to go through?
They were very poorly treated. If they escaped they were whipped, even if their owner didn't think they deserved it. They wanted to show the other slaves a lesson. The Massachusetts 54th also had to some hard labor. They had to cut down trees, for shelter and other needed objects.
Labor Work
Slaves, like Massachusetts 54th, cutting down trees.
The Whipping
If a black soldier of Massachusetts 54th did something to deserve a punishment. Most likely they would be whipped, leaving scars and unbearable pain
Soldiers
Every soldier received a new pair of marching shoes and uniforms. This picture show the Massachusetts 54th army lined up ready to head out to training and war.