Robert Gould Shaw - A Civil War Hero

Robert Gould Shaw's parents moved them to a free-thinking colony where he lived close to men such as Nathaniel Hawthorne and Ralph Waldo Emerson until he was nine years old. Due to the high number of casualties of war, the Union Army was in desperate need of soldiers. So in January of 1863, President Lincoln authorized the enlistment of black soldiers. Now the need was for a leader who was experienced in battle, but would have no difficulty in leading a troop of blacks. Colonel Shaw accepted the responsibility and trained and drilled his men until they were ordered to report to Colonel Montgomery at Hilton Head. Shaw spent much of his time looking after his men and getting acquainted with them. He even attended one of his men's praise meetings and took an interest in the song and dance performances. On July 18, 1863, Shaw was asked to lead the attack on Fort Wagner. Although he believed it would be his last engagement, he placed his duty and loyalty to country, family and regiment above his own desires, he agreed to lead the attack. The charge began with Shaw in the lead when he could have stayed safely in the back. However, Shaw was at the point of the attack as bullets and shells rained down on them. As Colonel Shaw reached the parapet, he was struck and killed instantly by a bullet. As a final epithet, Shaw was buried alongside his men on the sandy shore.