First Battle of Fort Wagner

Other Names: First Assault, Morris Island

Location: Charleston, South Carolina

Campaign: Operations against Defenses of Charleston (1863)

Date: July 10-11, 1863

Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. Qunicy Gillmore [US]; Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard [CS]

Forces Engaged: Brigades

Casualties and losses: 351 total (US 339; CS 12)

Result(s): Confederate victory

Brief Description:

On July 10, Union artillery on Folly Island together with Rear Adm. John Dahlgren's fleet of ironclads opened fire on Confederate defenses of Morris Island. The bombardment provided cover for Brig. Gen. George C. Strong's brigade, which crossed Light House Inlet and landed by boats on the southern tip of the island. Strong's troops advanced, capturing several batteries, to within range of Confederate Fort Wagner. At dawn, July 11, Strong attacked the fort. Soldiers of the 7th Connecticut reached the parapet but, unsupported, were thrown back. The First Battle of Fort Wagner was followed on July 16 by assaults on James Island and on July 18 by the famous, but also unsuccessful, charge of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry on July 18 in the Second Battle of Fort Wagner.