Maine 9th Volunteer Infantry, Company D (Union)

Fort Wagner

Fort Wagner, part of the formidable Confederate defenses of Charleston Harbor, was built on Morris Island on the south edge of the bay. The fort's 30-foot high earth and sand filled walls protected 14 heavy artillery pieces that could bear on attackers or warships trying to enter the harbor. The Union Navy attempted to reduce the defenses of Charleston in early 1863 with little success. In early June, Brig. Gen. Quincy Gillmore attempted to capture the batteries on Morris Island and use them against Fort S…READ MORE