Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial

We visited on a Wednesday morning in mid-June 2025. We were doing this as part of the Freedom Trail. It sits directly across the street from the Massachusetts State House. It sits right off the sidewalk directly adjacent to the road. It feels like everyone is constantly watching you here. For being only 9AM in the morning it was very busy. We were able to get a picture without other people in it but it was a challenge. We actually saw a cast of this as well at the St. Gaudens National Historic Site. St. Gaudens was the artist who was commissioned to create this masterpiece. If you wanted to see this without all the crowds, that's the place to see it.

Whilst taking a photo, a tour guide, with a very loud voice starting explaining to his group the history behind the picture. If you stand around long enough, you'll probably hear a similar guide give a similar explanation.

This is a memorial site. And since there are already lots of comments on the historical values, I am going to go us on the artistic details of this memorial site. For example, the eagles (see the photos) are carved from a solid block of rock (? sandstone?) - just think the artistic work to turn a high block of stone into artistic work. You can look closely, and see the beauty on the details - but sadly time & mother nature has taken a toll on the site. But more sadly - people vandalized the artwork (see photos).

So cool. “Glory” is one of my all time favorite movies.

One of my favorite memorials/statues in Boston Commons. It is right across the the State house so after you finish ogling the golden dome, turn around back towards the park and appreciate this unique memorial! It is at the top of the stairs in the North East corner of the park, along the Freedom Trail. Great for taking photos.

Before seeing the movie "Glory", I had not heard about the 54th Mass. Regiment' s sacrifice . Viewing this beautiful monument in person brought tears to my eyes. May they rest in peace.

It's a great way to learn history. They also have a scan code to listen to the information. It's a lovely picture opportunity 😊 for me. ...

A beautiful monument commemorating a very important part of American history. Located right across from the state capitol in Boston Common, this monument ensures that the sacrifices made by the men of the 54th Massachusetts will never be forgotten.

On a school field trip to Boston Common, the Robert Gould Shaw and 54th regiment memorial was one of our three historical destinations and my favorite one. While watching Glory in my history class, I felt all the heavy emotions throughout the training and battles involving the first U.S. all-African-American regiment. It showed the harsh reality of their treatment during the Civil War, therefore it is extremely significant to black history. This historical landmark honors the death of Colonel Shaw and the many soldiers after the attack on Fort Wagner. Up close it is very intricate and truly capturing of war, reminding us of the bravery and sacrifices made by the 54th regiment. If you ever visit Boston and love history, I highly recommend stopping by!

This is an impressive, beautiful, and moving memorial. Near several other sites, such as Granary Burial Ground and Boston Common. I would like to see more discussion about how black people are portrayed in monuments/memorials/public art pieces. Would also like the history of how black soldiers have been treated to be a part of this conversation.

Did you too watch Glory in high school? If so, you'll be able to place the historical significance of this monument. If not, consider watching Glory, or at least read about Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th. They were truly trailblazing and so historically important. The moment is worth seeing either from a Duck tour or actually in person by climbing Boston Commons.

Going on this trip was a really facinating scene. Where we were able to see monuments and learn more about the US history. This memorial monument portrayed the civil war fighting for freedom of slaves. I recommend people who are interested in learning US History to come here to look at this glorious monument.

You can't miss this large monument at the top corner of the Boston Common and at the foot of the stairs to the State Capitol dome. It is a memorial to the group of men who were among the first African Americans to fight in the Civil War. The first documented African American volunteer regiment was the Massachusetts 54th Volunteer Infantry, under Governor Andrew in 1863. The Massachusetts 54th Regiment became famous and solidified their place in history following the attack on Fort Wagner, South Carolina on July 18, 1863. At least 74 enlisted men and 3 officers were killed in that battle, and scores more were wounded. Colonel Shaw was one of those killed. Augustus Saint-Gaudens took nearly fourteen years to complete this high-relief bronze monument, which celebrates the valor and sacrifices of the Massachusetts 54th. The monument depicts the 54th Regiment marching down Beacon Street on May 28, 1863 as they left Boston to head south. It is maintained by the National Park Service.

The Robert Gould-Shaw Memorial is a stop along the Freedom Trail right at the edge of the Boston Commons. There was a park ranger giving a talk to some school kids so we were able to catch a little bit of the history of the place. For one I never realized that the movie Glory was about the 54th regiment.