First Battle of Fort Wagner facts for kids

Quick facts for kids First Battle of Fort Wagner
Part of the American Civil War
Plan of Fort Wagner, with overlay showing armament
Date July 10, 1863 (1863-07-10) – July 11, 1863 (1863-07-11) Location Charleston, South Carolina Result Confederate victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Quincy A. Gillmore John A. Dahlgren George C. Strong	P.G.T. Beauregard Robert F. Graham
Units involved
2nd Division, X Corps (Department of the South)	Fort Wagner garrison
Strength
1 brigade	1,770
Casualties and losses
339 total (49 killed; 123 wounded; 167 captured/missing)	12

The First Battle of Fort Wagner was a fight that happened on July 10 and 11, 1863. It took place on Morris Island near Charleston during the American Civil War. The Union Army tried to capture Fort Wagner, but they were stopped. A more famous battle, the Second Battle of Fort Wagner, happened a week later on July 18. That battle involved the brave 54th Massachusetts soldiers.

Why the Battle Happened

In June 1863, Union General Quincy Adams Gillmore took charge of the Union forces in the South. He was an engineer who had captured Fort Pulaski before.

General Gillmore wanted to capture Morris Island and parts of James Island. These islands were important because they controlled the entrance to Charleston Harbor.

If the Union could place their cannons on these islands, they could fire at Fort Sumter. Fort Sumter's cannons were stopping the U.S. Navy from entering the harbor.

The Battle Begins

Map showing the Fort Wagner I Battlefield area.

On July 10, Union cannons on Folly Island began to fire. Union warships, led by Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren, also fired their guns. This heavy firing helped cover the landing of Union troops.

Brigadier General George Crockett Strong led his soldiers ashore. They landed at the southern tip of Morris Island. Strong's troops moved forward about three miles.

They captured several smaller cannon batteries along the way. Soon, they were close enough to attack Fort Wagner.

What Was Fort Wagner?

Fort Wagner was also called Battery Wagner. It was a very strong fort with many cannons. The fort covered almost the entire width of the northern end of Morris Island. It faced towards Fort Sumter.

General Strong described how his troops advanced. They moved under heavy fire from enemy cannons. They captured eight batteries, each with a large gun. They also took two batteries with large mortars.

The Attack on Fort Wagner

On July 11, General Strong's brigade attacked Fort Wagner at dawn. A thick fog covered the area, making it hard to see. They tried to take the fort by surprise.

Soldiers from the 7th Connecticut Infantry managed to get past some enemy trenches. However, they were pushed back by the Confederate soldiers inside the fort.

About 1,770 Confederate soldiers, led by Colonel Robert F. Graham, defended the fort. Heavy cannon fire from Fort Wagner stopped other Union units from joining the attack. The Union attack failed.

What Happened Next

The Union suffered 339 casualties (soldiers killed, wounded, or missing). The Confederates had only 12 casualties.

After this battle, the Union tried to attack James Island on July 16. Then, on July 18, the famous 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment launched another attack on Fort Wagner. This was the Second Battle of Fort Wagner, but it was also unsuccessful.

Saving the Battlefield

In May 2008, a group of organizations helped buy Morris Island. This included the South Carolina Conservation Bank and the American Battlefield Trust. They bought the island for $3 million.

Before this, in 2003, a builder wanted to build houses on the land. But preservation groups worked together to stop this plan. They wanted to protect the important historical site.

The City of Charleston and the county are now working on a plan. This plan will help protect the island's important history and natural areas.