A few of the best of the West
Pictured are members of Troop C, probably of the 5th Cavalry Regiment, U.S. Army, Fort Grant, Arizona, in 1881. The post, designated a fort on April 5, 1879, and...
A formidable challenge
This 1863 map of Morris Island, South Carolina, shows why taking Fort Wagner was so difficult. It is located three-quarters of the way up the island when approached...
Eyewitness report
Col. E.N. Hallowell wrote this account of the battle of Fort Wagner almost four months after the attack. He highlighted the fall of the 54th’s commanding officer,...
Fort Sumter has fallen
This telegram notified Secretary of War Simon Cameron of the outcome of the battle that began the Civil War in earnest. It was sent by Maj. Robert Anderson, commander...
From fighting wars to fighting tuberculosis
This store, near Ruidoso, New Mexico, was photographed as part of a collection of photographs highlighting the advancements of public health and sanitation in the...
Gathering on the porch
This photograph was taken around 1880 at Fort Grant, Arizona. The fort was established in 1872 at the foot of Mount Graham, in southeastern Arizona. Soldiers from the...
Missing in action
This list includes all the enlisted men of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment missing—and presumed dead—after the assault on Fort Wagner. The total loss was...