Beaufort in Beaufort County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

1st SC Infantry Of African Descent

Photographed By Mike Stroud, March 2008

1. 1st SC Infantry Of African Descent Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The 1st South Carolina Volunteer Infantry Regiment was raised from sea island slaves living around Port Royal. Elements of the regiment were formed on Hilton Head in May 1862. In August 1862, the regiment was reorganized near Beaufort at the Smith plantation. It was commanded by the noted abolitionist Thomas W. Higginson who led the regiment on raids along the Georgia coast. On Jan. 1, 1863, the regiment was formaly mustered into the United States Army. The regiment saw extensive service on the South Carolina, Georgia and Florida Coasts. On Feb. 8, 1864, the regiment was redesignated as the 33rd Infantry Regiment of the United States Colored Troops. The Regiment assisted in the occupation of Charleston, Savannah, Augusta and other points until it was mustered out Jan. 31, 1866.

Erected by Historic Beaufort Foundation South Carolina.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Military • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the National Cemeteries series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1862.

Location.

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32° 26.379′ N, 80° 40.735′ W. Marker is in Beaufort, South Carolina, in Beaufort County. Marker is on Boundary Street (U.S. 21), on the right when traveling west. Located near the entrance to Beaufort National 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. A National Cemetery System (within shouting distance of this marker); Beaufort National Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Address by President Lincoln (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Re-interred 19 African-American Civil War Volunteers (approx. 0.2 miles away); Grand Army of the Republic Hall (approx. 0.4 miles away); Beaufort (approx. 0.4 miles away); Beaufort Historic District (approx. 0.4 miles away); Stephen Elliott Jr (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beaufort.

Also see . . .
1. 1st South Carolina Volunteers (Union), Wikipedia entry. It was composed of escaped slaves from South Carolina and Florida. (Submitted on March 21, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

2. Union Regimental Histories. Organized at Beaufort, S.C (Submitted on March 21, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

3. Thomas Wentworth Higginson...Commander. (Submitted on March 21, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
4. Wikipedia Entry for the United States Colored Troops

Photographed By Mike Stroud, March 2008

2. 1st SC Infantry Of African Descent Marker

. The USCT were the forerunners of the famous Buffalo Soldiers. (Submitted on April 15, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

Photographed By Mike Stroud, March 2008

3. W.N.Reed

Lt. Col.
U.S.C.T.

C.J. Norcross image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, March 2008

4. C.J. Norcross

Asst. Surg.
U.S.C.T.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,372 times since then and 112 times this year. Last updated on April 14, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 21, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 3, 4. submitted on April 15, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.