Darien, Georgia, played a role during the Civil War as Union forces sought to establish a foothold in the South. Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, an officer in the Union Army, was tasked with leading the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, one of the first African American regiments in the Union Army.
Reasons for Going to Darien:
In 1863, the Union forces, including the 54th Massachusetts, sought to disrupt Confederate supply lines and establish a presence in Southern territory. Darien was a strategic location for both its economic significance to the Confederacy and its role as a port.
Events in Darien:
The Union forces, including the 54th Massachusetts, occupied Darien on June 11, 1863. However, instead of engaging in destructive actions, Shaw chose to spare the town from significant damage. This decision was contrary to the expectations of some Union officers who believed in harsh measures against Southern towns.
Shaw Following Orders:
Colonel Shaw, despite being ordered to burn the town, chose not to carry out the destructive order. He believed in conducting the war with honor and respect, even in the face of the deeply divided conflict.
Shaw's Reaction:
After the decision not to burn Darien, Shaw faced criticism and backlash from some fellow Union officers. However, his decision reflected his commitment to principles of humanity and the belief that the war should be fought without resorting to unnecessary destruction.
Tragically, Colonel Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Regiment would later face significant challenges and losses during the assault on Fort Wagner in South Carolina on July 18, 1863. Shaw was killed in action during this assault.