Beaufort in Beaufort County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Re-interred 19 African-American Civil War Volunteers
Memorial Day May 29, 1989
Photographed By Mike Stroud, March 2008
1. Memorial Day May 29, 1989, First Tablet
(Tablet One)The Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Michael S. Dukakis, and descendant's of the African-American Civil War Volunteers of the 54th and 55th Infantry Regiments and the 5th Cavalry Regiment of Massachusetts, accompanied by distinguished citizens of the Commonwealth, came on this day to Beaufort National Veterans Cemetery to honor the members of the Black 55th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, whose remains were found on Folly Island, South Carolina in 1987, and reinterred this day with full military honors befitting American soldiers.
"Duty well performed...Glory and reward won."
Governor John A. Andrew, 1865
(Tablet Two)
These hallowed grounds hold the remains of at least nineteen Black Union soldiers, 55th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, who lost their lives on Folly Island in the siege of Charleston, during the winter encampment of Nov 1863 - Feb 1864, Civil War.
Their earthly remains lay long forgotten until rediscovered in May 1987. They were reburied at this site by the Community of Beaufort, May 29, 1989.
Erected
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the National Cemeteries series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1987.
Location. 32° 26.51′ N, 80° 40.748′ W. Marker is in Beaufort, South Carolina, in Beaufort County. Marker can be reached from Boundary Street (U.S. 21). Markers located in Beaufort National Veterans Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Beaufort SC 29902, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Address by President Lincoln (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); A National Cemetery System (about 700 feet away); Beaufort National Cemetery (about 700 feet away); 1st SC Infantry Of African Descent (approx. 0.2 miles away); Beaufort (approx. 0.4 miles away); Grand Army of the Republic Hall (approx. half a mile away); Beaufort Historic District (approx. 0.6 miles away); Stephen Elliott Jr (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beaufort.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Other monuments placed to honor the 54th and 55th Massachusetts Infantry.
Also see . . . History of famed 54th Mass. by Wikipedia (Submitted on March 22, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Photographed By Mike Stroud, March 2008
2. Memorial Day May 29, 1989, Second Tablet
Additional commentary.
1. Nineteen Union soldiers
On May 29, 1989, of the all black Massachusetts 54th Infantry, whose remains were found on Folly Island, South Carolina in 1987, were buried in the cemetery with full military honors. Members of the cast of the film Glory served as honor guard.(Wikipedia)
— Submitted January 24, 2013.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, March 2008
3. Tablet for the 55th Massachusetts Infantry
Photographed By Mike Stroud, March 2008
4. Another View of the 55th Massachusetts Infantry Tablets
Members of the regiment were reinterred here.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, March 2008
5. Beaufort National Veterans Cemetery
Credits. This page was last revised on October 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 22, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,788 times since then and 49 times this year. Last updated on June 23, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 22, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
