Statue to Colonel Shaw

The statue to Colonel Robert Gould Shaw of the Union is unveiled, and he is commemorated for his valor as the leader of the “Negro infantry.”

Boston, May 31 – The statue to Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, on the Common, opposite the State house was unveiled today by Edward Atkinson in the presence of a distinguished gathering and later the statue was dedicated with ceremonies in Music Hall, where Professor William James made the principle address.
Colonel Shaw fell in the assault on Fort Wagner, South Carolina, at the head of the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment, and the statue commemorates also the heroism of the black troops who fell in assault.
Rain fell early in the day, interfering somewhat with the pleasure of the spectators, but thousands had assembled to see the parade in the morning. The line included regular troops, marines and sailors, militia of Massachusetts and the Seventh Regiment from New York, and Governor Wolcott and party.
The Shaw monument is built of pink Milford granite, with its front toward the street. Standing back from the sidewalk is a bald parapet about seventy feet long and four feet high, with returning ends. A seat runs round the three sides, protecting in the center with somewhat the suggestion of an altar, above which rises a superstructure which may be compared to a rededos. It is a massive panel of granite, some twenty feet wide and fourteen feet high, framed with bronze iconic pilasters and terminating above in an arch cornice. ON the face of this is St Gaudens’ bronze relief which forms the culminating feature of the design. At each end of the panel, resting upon the balustrades, is a sphere surmounted by the eagle. On the corners of the parapet rise urns, and the face is enriched with wreaths, over which are inscribed the following names; Cabot Jackson Russel, Captain; William Harris Simpkins, Captain; Edward Lewis Stevens, First Lieutenant; Dave Reid, First Lieutenant; Frederick Hedge Webster, Second Lieutenant.
The view from the Common of the reserve side shows what excellent advantage has been taken of the fall in the ground of about eight feet. The parapet is continued downward in a plain upon which are carved three lions’ heads. From their mouths flow streams of water into a massive basin, to right and left of which are seats and flights of steps leading up to Beacon street.
But the chief interest centers in the bronze alternative of Mr. St. Gaudens. The lower part of the panel is filled with a moving mass of Negro infantry headed by their drummer boy. Their rifles and their colors from a bristling hedge above their heads. In the center of the foreground, seated upon a powerful horse who muscles are quivering with excitement, is there leader, calm and immobile. Ober the devoted group flies the figure of Fame, with the left are extended, pointing the road to glory, and the hand open in blessing and encouragement, while in the other hand she holds a branch of laurel, which brushes the leader’s cap.
In the exercises at Music Hall, Governor Roger Wolcott was permanent chairman. He presented the memorial to Mayor Quincy, who accepted in for the city of Boston. Following Professor James’ address, a large chorus sang “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Governor Wolcott then introduced President Booker T. Washington of the Tuskegee Institute, Alabama, paying a high compliment to the speaker and to his work for the people of his race. At the close of Professor Washington’s address, Governor Wolcott proposed three cheers for the speaker, and the audience joined in hearty hurrahs.

“Statue to Colonel Shaw,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed January 20, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1169.