First Black Regiment to Fight for the Union Finally Gets a Memorial in Beaufort, Honoring Overlooked Civil War Heroes

Historic Recognition for Forgotten Heroes

Beaufort, South Carolina is creating a new memorial park to honor the 1st South Carolina Volunteers, the first Black regiment to fight for the Union during the Civil War. The six-acre park along Battery Creek will feature educational displays and walking trails to share their remarkable story.

City Manager Scott Marshall says visitors will leave with a deep understanding of these soldiers’ contributions. The regiment, formed from formerly enslaved men in the Beaufort area, opened the door for 180,000 Black soldiers to serve in the Civil War.

Correcting the Historical Record

For over a century, the 1st South Carolina Volunteers’ story was overshadowed by more famous units like the 54th Massachusetts featured in the movie Glory. Research shows the South Carolina regiment fought in five battles before the Massachusetts unit saw combat.

“It shocked me that I never learned this history,” says Chris Allen, a retired Army officer who helped uncover the truth. Even President Lincoln recognized their importance in an 1863 letter, calling their success vital to the Union cause.

The Courageous Men Who Served

The regiment included extraordinary individuals like Sgt. Prince Rivers, whose leadership impressed his white commanders. Cpl. Robert Sutton continued fighting despite multiple serious wounds. William Bronson, a carpenter from St. Helena Island, may have been the very first Black man to enlist in the Union Army.

These weren’t just soldiers – they were freedom fighters proving Black men could be effective combat troops. Their service helped convince Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, first read to them at Camp Saxton in 1863.

Creating a Lasting Memorial

The memorial site near Boundary Street sits on land where Union troops were once stationed. While not directly connected to the 1st South Carolina, historians confirm the soldiers passed through this area.

“So much of our history about fighting for freedom was never taught,” says Councilman Mitch Mitchell, who championed the project. The park will finally give these heroes the recognition they earned through their bravery and sacrifice.

Continuing the Educational Mission

The University of South Carolina will host a symposium about the regiment in April, helping spread awareness of their story. West Point has already incorporated their history into its curriculum thanks to efforts by Allen and fellow retired officer Ben Hodges.

After being overlooked for generations, Beaufort’s new memorial will ensure these pioneering soldiers are remembered for their crucial role in American history. The park is expected to open within the next two years.