Unveiling 54th Regiment Walkway At New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

Published Date

August 22, 2016

The storming of Fort Wagner lithograph by Kurz and Allison 1890/Via NPS

Editor's note: The following is an unedited release from the National Park Service.

The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment was one of the first federally recognized African American regiments that fought in the Civil War with an enlistment station for Company C adjacent to the U.S. Custom House in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts. More than 60 men from New Bedford enlisted in Company C or other Companies of the 54th Regiment. A brick walkway with the names of New Bedford men enlisted with the 54th Regiment will be unveiled and dedicated to this accomplished and determined group of men on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Custom House Square, downtown New Bedford, just steps away from where the recruiting station was once located.

Robert G. Stanton, former director of the National Park Service, will be the keynote speaker. His speech will be followed by refreshments in New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park’s garden. Soldiers from Boston’s 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company A and Colored Ladies Christian Relief Society will be in attendance as a ceremonial Honor Guard. This event, co-sponsored by the New Bedford Historical Society, the City of New Bedford, and New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is the result of the partnership efforts of the three organizations to further the history of African Americans and their role in the Civil War. For more information on this event please contact the New Bedford Historical Society, 508-978-8828, Facebook.com/nbhistory.

Mr. Stanton, 15th director of the National Park Service, began his career at Grand Teton National Park as a seasonal ranger, working his way through the ranks until he served as Regional Director of the National Capital Region prior to his retirement. After retirement, President Clinton asked him to serve as the director of the National Park Service, a position he held from 1997-2001. Mr. Stanton is no stranger to New Bedford, having been present for the dedication of the Nathan and Polly Johnson House in 2000 and the dedication of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment mural on 41 William Street.

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