Follow in the footsteps of the 54th Massachusetts
With more than two and a half years of combat seen during the Civil War, the Massachusetts 54th Infantry Regiment was present at a broad assortment of sites and conflicts across the Eastern United States.
For your next road trip, consider following in the footsteps of the 54th Massachusetts and experience Massachusetts, South Carolina and Florida while experiencing history.
The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was formed just months after the Emancipation Proclamation, made up entirely of African American soldiers.
Recruitment began in February of 1863, and the new regiment began to train at Camp Meigs just outside of Boston.
Explore the spot where the 54th Massachusetts was trained at Camp Meigs Memorial Park, and enjoy the sights and sounds of modern-day Hyde Park.
Experience even more of Boston’s outdoors by catching a performance at the Boston Common, exploring America’s first botanical garden at the Boston Public Gardens or simply experiencing this delightful green space in the center of Boston.
If you are hoping for more of an indoor experience, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a great option for experiencing the art and culture of the city. This museum comes with a fascinating story: it was the site of one of the largest art heists in American history!
Grab a bite to eat at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a historic building brimming with vendors and a diverse array of food options.
Reflect on the complicated history of the Civil War at the Charles Sumner House, Statue, and Gravesite. Charles Sumner, a United States Senator and ardent opponent of slavery in the mid-18th century, resided in Boston. His house is now a National Historic Landmark, and visible in modern-day Boston.
Wrap up your day in Boston by grabbing dinner at the Warren Tavern, the oldest tavern in Massachusetts. A favorite of George Washington, who visited in 1789, the Warren Tavern is a must-visit site for heritage tourists.
The first deployment of the 54th Massachusetts was to Beaufort, South Carolina.
In Beaufort, the regiment was stationed with Maj. Gen. Hunter’s X Corps starting at the end of May 1863. While here, there are a plethora of historic sites and activities for the whole family!
- While the 54th Massachusetts did not fight in the Battle of Port Royal Island, no visit to Beaufort would be complete without seeing Port Royal Island Battlefield: this Revolutionary War site was a much-needed American victory and is packed with history to explore.
- Pay your respects at Beaufort National Cemetery. This military graveyard serves as the final resting place for veterans of wars ranging from the American Revolution to more modern conflicts.
- An excursion for the whole family, try visiting the Kazoo Factory and Museum! The factory offers a tour of all aspects of kazoo production, complete with an opportunity to make your own Kazoo before continuing with your trip.
- For a general overview of the area’s history, head on over to the Beaufort History Museum. This institution in the heart of Beaufort details the legacy of the multiple conflicts Beaufort has seen and gives a history of the people and groups that live there.
- If you have time left to explore the local cuisine, Plum’s Restaurant serves high quality Lowcountry cuisine and seafood in downtown Beaufort. This staple of the community is a great option for dinner after a long day of journeying through the past.
The first combat seen by the 54th Massachusetts was at Grimball’s Landing and Fort Wagner in South Carolina, on James Island and Morris Island near the outskirts of Charleston respectively.
While there was no clear winner of the battle at Grimball’s Landing, both conflicts left behind significant historical material for interpretation. Enjoy the myriads of sites and experiences that the Charleston area has to offer as you continue your journey following in the steps of the 54th Massachusetts!
- While Fort Wagner is not accessible, Fort Sumter National Monument offers a clear view of Fort Wagner as it sits on Morris Island. Fort Sumter also includes plenty of historical interpretation and fascinating history of its own, so make sure to explore this remarkable site.
- Across town, stop by Fort Pemberton, the site of the Battle of Grimball’s Landing during your time in Charleston. While the site is on private property, this National Historic Landmark is viewable from the road.
- For a more refined setting, Deep Water Vineyard is South Carolina’s only vineyard, situated near Charleston on Wadmalaw Island. This family-friendly establishment serves wine and encourages visitors to pack a picnic lunch.
- No historical trip to Charleston would be complete without visiting the site of Battery Haskell, the Confederate artillery battery in the fight over James and Morris Island in July of 1863. Make sure to read the road marker and experience the surrounding green space!
- The Charleston Museum is a multidisciplinary institution dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Lowcountry through preserving artifacts, architecture, and stories of the residents of Charleston throughout its history. Check out one of the museum’s preserved colonial or antebellum-era homes during your visit and learn about the detailed history of this region.
- For a quick and casual bite to eat, the Charleston Farmer’s Market at Marion Square is a great way to experience a broad assortment of local food and goods and is suitable for the whole family.
- Charleston is home to the world-renowned International African American Museum, interpreting the history, culture, and struggles faced by African Americans in the United States. Reflect on this history at this excellent institution in downtown Charleston.
Shortly after their service in South Carolina, the 54th Mass were sent down to Baker County, Florida to fight in the Battle of Olustee in February 1864.
Attempting to cut off Confederate supply routes from Florida, Union forces had to retreat towards Jacksonville after losing at Ocean Pond. This battle was the largest Civil War battle in Florida.
Make sure to visit Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park, a Florida state historic park that was one of the first to enter the Florida State Park system. The park interprets historic material from the battle for visitors alongside preserving hundreds of acres of green space!
- For a peaceful respite, make sure to visit the beautiful Falling Creek Falls in Lake City. The distinctive caramel-colored tiered waterfalls are completely natural and are a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors while following in the footsteps of the 54th Massachusetts.
- For indoor activities in Baker County, the Gateway Art Gallery has a broad array of local artwork and offers art classes for adults and children. Operated by the Art League of North Florida, the gallery is a wonderful way to spend part of your day around Olustee Battlefield.
- While in Lake City, make sure to swing by Webb’s Antique Mall for some of the best antiquing in the area!
- Grab a bite to eat at the Halpatter Brewing Company, regionally renowned for artisan beer and eats. This full-service brewery is located downtown Lake City.
In November 1864, the 54th Mass took part in the third battle of Sherman’s March to the Sea, the Battle of Honey Hill in Jasper County, South Carolina.
A massive Confederate victory, the battle was the result of a failed expedition separate from Sherman’s actual forces and included soldiers from the 54th Massachusetts. In 1865, the 54th Massachusetts fought at the Battle of Boykin’s Mill nearby became the site of the last Union officer killed in the Civil War. En route to Sherman’s March to the Sea, this battle was a resounding Union victory coupled with a Confederate retreat.
- As you wrap up your path retracing the movements of the 54th Massachusetts, make sure to visit the Boykin Mill Complex in Boykin, South Carolina. This site includes historical interpretations of the battlefield, alongside markers and earthworks from the site.
- For some rest and relaxation, hop on over to Hilton Head Island just off the coast of the southern tip of the state — and enjoy the beaches, Southern fare, and sprawling golf courses that the island has to offer.
- For an experience more immersed in the natural world, Blue Heron Nature Center in Ridgeland, South Carolina is equipped with nature trails, outdoor classrooms, observation decks, and a butterfly garden. This facility is great for kids as well as adults.
- Grab some lunch at The Mad Hatter, a historic dive in Ridgeland near the battlefield sites. Known for its greasy spoon fare, this establishment is highly recommended by most all travel guides of the area.
- For a museum visit in this area, you cannot go wrong by visiting the Frampton House Museum, the site of the Frampton Plantation and the Lowcountry Visitor Center and Museum. This museum interprets much of the history of the Lowcountry and preserves antebellum-era architecture for the heritage tourist.
Visit the Honey Hill Battle Site before you leave the area, and while development has encroached on some of this land, there is still a historical marker and green space left to enjoy.
After the Battles of Honey Hill and Boykin’s Mill, the 54th Massachusetts traveled to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina to muster out of service and to return to civilian life. The unit was inactive until it was reactivated in 2008 for ceremonial uses.
- As you end your journey, reflect on the valor and legacy of the 54th Massachusetts. Their service at Fort Wagner and throughout the Civil War is a remarkable place for historical interpretation, but also for contemporary heroes to reflect on the sacrifices they have made for their country.
- Swing by the Gibbes Museum of Art to marvel at the architecture of the gallery and the beautiful pieces of artwork it houses. This multi-medium gallery is regionally acclaimed, and a great way to cap off your exploration of the journey of the 54th Massachusetts.
- Stay the night at the stunning Wentworth Mansion, rated the top hotel in Charleston. This beautiful manor has food and a spa for rest and relaxation after your travels!
- Try some retail therapy at Charleston City Market, where high end local goods are sold at day and night markets. If you are looking for a handcrafted souvenir from your travels, this is an excellent place to find that special item.
- No trip to the Lowcountry would be complete without a row through the beautiful swamps in the region. Cypress Gardens Swamp rents boats to those wishing to explore the beauty of their property, so no need to bring your own paddles!