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The Glory Regiment: 54th Massachusetts
African Americans were not allowed to fight in the Civil War until the formation of the first “colored” unit, the 54th Massachusetts, in March 1863. 24 men from Elmira and Horseheads joined, 20 of whom made up the core of Company F. Of the Chemung County men, 5 were wounded in battle and 7 died. The regiment was made famous at the battle for Fort Wagner, but their toughest fight was for equal pay with their fellow soldiers. Although promised $13 a month, they were only paid $7. After months of protests, the men were finally paid their promised wages with back pay in September 1864.
 African American soldiers were promised $13 a month but it would be over a year before they got it. |  At Olustee, Florida, the regiment charged into battle shouting "For Massachusetts and seven dollars a month!" Illustration courtesy of harpersweekly.com |
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 Fort WagnerDuring the battle at Fort Wagner, 3 Elmira men were wounded and one, George Moshroe, was taken prisoner. Image courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org |  William Lee of Elmira wrote to his wife, Sarah, after being wounded at Fort Wagner, South Carolina. He later died of his wounds. |
 Memorial to the 54th MassachusettsA memorial to the regiment was built in Boston in 1897. The Academy Award winning film Glory was based on their history. Image courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org |
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