"Without the help of black free men," President Lincoln declared, "the war against the South could not have been won."

The Fighting 54th has become one of the most famous regiments from the Civil War. In 1989, their story was told in the movie Glory starring Morgan Freeman, Mathew Broderick and Danzel Washington. Your project for Massachusetts is to write a three paragraph essay on the Regiment. Who were these brave men? Where did they come from? Who led them? Were they successful in battle? The first paragraph should briefly describe the time period and the need for the Regiment to be formed. The next paragraph should talk about the Regiment itself. Use specific examples and dates from the book to support your thoughts. The final paragraph should sum up their story. The only resource you will need for the project is the book you read. Be sure to proofread your work before you turn it in. The link below will tell you more information about the monument dedicated to the Massachusetts 54th Regiment.