Robert Gould Shaw's Missing Civil War Sword Found

[@mikecmike6163]

What a great piece of history! I will always be grateful to Robert Gould Shaw and the men of the 54th. May you all rest in eternal glory.

[@mrsx7944]

True heroes ❤️

[@theresabollman8061]

I agree with you, Mike. Shaw was a man of great character and bravery and so were his men. God put them together.

[@Madkklown]

Everybody will remember the Col. and the 54th. And will continue to do so.

[@hroman5]

Because of men like him and his soldiers, America, while not perfect, remains the land of the free and home of the brave. I'm proud to call myself an American, not any hyphen- American; just American.

[@unbreakable7633]

@@hroman5 Not really, the Constitution died the day the Army of Northern Virginia surrendered.

[@Tom-ys5ik]

A brave man leading Brave Men, God rest your soul Robert and God rest the Souls of your Men.

[@TCB405]

Can we agree one of the men actually look like Morgan Freeman not in the movie in real life

[@NM-apache]

Amen

[@TemmieContingenC]

@@TCB405that would be cool

[@MrDurandal25]

Shaw and his men were brave and did their duty. The sword was a war trophy and not "stolen". It was returned to the family after the war and like many relics, forgotten. It's a very important reminder that freedom is not free.

[@lucan357]

Agreed

[@kevinh9110]

War trophies are stolen.

[@freaker126]

Brave warriors don't die. They live forever in the hearts and mind of the people.

[@outfield1988]

Man so glad the family is sharing that treasure.

[@ramonortiz7462]

How was it " recovered" when Shaw's own descendants had it!!?

[@winstonchurchill3597]

Good question

[@winstonchurchill3597]

@@bobbov8277 I'm a 146 years old and going strong - God Save the King. lol

[@stanlee7635]

@@winstonchurchill3597 I literally just watched you funeral in a previous video 😂

[@winstonchurchill3597]

@@stanlee7635 Or did you. lol

[@stanlee7635]

@@winstonchurchill3597 lol good one 👍

[@58jumps]

The sword was not 'stolen' when Shaw died. Like all functioning weapons on a battlefield it was simply recovered. That it is now in the hands of those who'll display it for its overall significance is the better story.

[@whereisthebalance5732]

wheres the scabbard then?

[@xenophon5159]

@@whereisthebalance5732 most swords of that period scabbards are missing.

[@liberalman8319]

It was stolen.

[@jasonAnthony4178]

My thoughts exactly! The sword would have been a prize off the battlefield. Additionally, the narrative of it being returned to his parents is interesting. It’s almost as if a confederate soldier may have taken the sword with that intention. I think they noted it was given back in 1865. Huh? Almost like it was returned at the first possible moment. Like someone was waiting for the war to end. I’m no confederate apologist, but that’s a narrative no one would like to hear.

[@Scrapla1]

Yes just like the dead solders shoes.

[@BallymurphyBabe]

God bless Col. Robert Gould Shaw and his men of the fighting 54th for their gallantry and bravery are beyond words. I pray their souls are in the Heavens above with Jesus. Rest in peace. 🥰 🙏💚 🇺🇸

[@davidfrederick1971]

(From the film Glory) "Give'em Hell 54th!"

[@hamletthaus3046]

It’s give them hell 54!

[@amandaramalho6609]

So proud to have been the first state to have black soldiers and they made such a huge impact and they were treated like hero's when they returned back home. I've always loved this story. Never knew his sword was missing though. It was in a good place with his sister. Thank god to their descendants of Shaws sister for letting it be held in a place where hopefully it will never be ruined or really stolen

[@EagleEyeM4]

The 1st South Carolina Volunteer Infantry was the first officially recognized black unit of the Union Army during the Civil War.

[@3-2bravo49]

Don't get your history lessons from Hollywood movies.

[@patmyer5917]

I read the book “Blue Eyed Child Of Fortune” depicting his life. I have seen the movie Glory many times too. A wonderful young man and his brave men of the 54th!

[@daurgo2001]

Now THIS is civil war history we can and should get behind. 👏🏻

[@CirilloRuca]

Robert Gould Shaw is real American hero. May he and those in the 54th rest in peace and power.🖤💙

[@XZumex]

The original site where Fort Wagner was built and the battle was fought on is now under water. And after the battle the bodies of Shaw and what men didn't survive where thrown in a pit and burned. So everyone assumed the sword along with everything else was lost forever. Such a monumental find and I praise the lady who wanted to share the sword with the world and not keep it in the family.

[@MRREE-zw6xc]

Im glad she decided to share the items they had ! So awesome !

[@charmainevandiford6622]

That is a great Story about his Sword and his family sharing it with the world. His men and he proved that not only would they fight but they fought bravely also.

[@nedergubis2638]

In the movie Glory, moments before colonel shaw/mathew looked towards the sea and seagulls flying and he was ...for a moment wanted life, or felt he will soon die, then led the attack.

[@jenniferfloyd9179]

Isaac hart also lead a all black Troup into battle he just got his proper burial it's a shame it took a 110 years later to give him a proper burial

[@LeonardGarcia-yn2ej]

Priceless Sword We Thank The Family And Donating to Museum For all to Admire . HISTORY is IMMORTALITY. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@patton303]

That sword witnessed history. Every battle Shaw was involved in.

[@wbw1399]

He led the charge. the commanding officer. Not enlisted or a subordinate. but he the colonel.

[@oscargrouch7962]

Commanders up to brigadier generals had to lead from the front then and give orders as the battle developed. There were no radios to contact the commander to ask for orders about what to do.

[@jeremyhess7977]

That's nothing special. It was a common thing for a commanding office to lead his men into battle.

[@themango6140]

That movie glory gets me every time, rare for me to get teary eyed

[@indy_go_blue6048]

For those arguing that the 54th-Ft Wagner didn't change the course of the Civil War. In a strategic sense, that's true, but it did change how the US government treated and recruited black men. Some US generals, including Sherman, wouldn't allow blacks to serve in their army. For those saying that many blacks, slaves, fought for the Confederacy, many *were* willing to fight, but they didn't because the government didn't trust arming them. In 1864 Gen. Patrick Cleburne wrote a letter to Pres. Davis saying it was time to arm blacks and he was castigated for his view. Although some probably did fight for the South, the first organized black unit, a regiment IIRC, wasn't formed until 1865 in Richmond when it was far too late for them to make a difference.

[@inchristnido]

Finally some one who does research

[@stephensdygert7600]

Tell the whole story. Sherman was a racist, when the war broke out. He changed like many others during tbe duration of the war. He admitted he was wrong. Sherman had black soilders when he crushed Texas and South Caralina. Sherman worked with Radical republicans like Thadius Stevens and Charles Sumner on the idea of "40 acres and a mule"

[@tushkafilms1061]

1:36 that’s cool they are honoring their great uncle. Two of my great uncles were both Colonels as well, but they were commanders of two, all American Indian Confederate regiments.

[@davedawe2420]

How do you mean, the battle for Fort Wagner "changed the course of the Civil War?" If you mean it was the first time a coloured regiment fought, you are incorrect. The battle itself was a defeat for the Union forces, and in fact, it took a second attempt by another regiment, the 24th to actually overrun the fort. What Wagner did do, however, was prove that coloured troops could fight a well as white troops, and this encouraged the raising of other coloured regiments in the North. Please do not embellish the truth for the sake of political correctness. The story of the brave 54th needs no embellishment.

[@davidgreene6976]

🤡 Clown "Don't argue with me,I don't like to be proved wrong!!This battle win the Civil War.I have notes to prove it!!

[@davedawe2420]

@@davidgreene6976 HAHAHAHA

[@NightspeakerR]

Lol wdym they did make a difference

[@GorillaCrewWarGaming]

Exactly what I said. What a Dingus....

[@GorillaCrewWarGaming]

@@davidgreene6976 LLLOLLL!!!!!! Love the sarcasm!

[@johngaither9263]

"Turning point in the war" is a bit of an exaggeration. The end of the war did not rest on the fall of Fort Wagner or even Charleston. The harbor was sealed up tight by the union navy and blockade runners had long been making port elsewhere. Shaw was stripped of everything by the vengeful confederates. Only then was his body offered for burial to his family. His father declined saying his son would wish to be buried with his men.

[@Waldenpunk]

I was given the opportunity to see and hold this sword at the Massachusetts Historical Society 3 years ago. I'd lectured on Shaw and was invited to stop by and see it!

[@mikeholton3914]

jealous as hell as i type this. it looks to be a magnificent piece!

[@aztronomy7457]

2 months from now: "I've decided to bring in this sword to the Pawn Shop today, I'm hoping to get 35 grand for it". Rick Harrison: "I'll give you $3 for it, and I'm taking all the risk". Sold.

[@jgambe78]

Well that "show" is 100% fake so

[@RoninAquila]

A Majestic Blade befitting a Noble Warrior. To the Memory of the 54th Massachusetts!

[@Madkklown]

Amen!

[@Z3NZUN0]

Such a great legend, 25 years old by the time of death and already a colonel.

[@samharper4289]

Awesome! Glad it turned up!

[@stephensdygert7600]

Glory is available in glorious 4k and Dolby Atmos

[@hamletthaus3046]

It’s called a ‘battlefield pickup’. To the victor go the spoils.

[@Tippet76]

I'm glad that the family went ahead with placing it in a museum. They will be better able to preserve it. Something like that isn't just one family's history, it is a display of American history and played a part in the country and even the world that we have today.

[@alrivas1477]

Thank you wonder family for sharing it with us.

[@phlebas80]

Would fly to Boston only to salute him and his lads. Bests from Italy

[@Rhett_Kierbow]

Saying that the battle of fort Wagner changed the course of the war is like saying since hitler liked baseball he didn’t cause the holocaust (what I’m saying is that it’s just stupid)

[@fifthward1983]

whomever did the right thing because the sword was returned to the shaw family by 1865 which is when the civil war ended.shaws own family lost it and forgot about it for over a hundred years, eventually finding it stored away in a attic.

[@MrShamus07]

Throughout history there may have been other men as brave as those of the 54th, but none were braver.

[@jessewillason2064]

If there is any afterlife I think shaw and the 54th would be welcomed in vallhala IMO

[@chrisnewport7826]

Their Sould fought for Justice, I think they made their own.

[@1313tennisman]

Shaw was not a pagan. He lived in civil war Massachusetts, paganism of any kind was still illegal

[@zutrue]

As a student of history, I'm not so sure a battlefield trophy taken in battle is "stealing' anything.

[@scottmoyer4461]

Ft Wagner was NOT the turning point of the war, Gettysburg led by General Meade and Vicksburg were the turning point of the war. Both the Same time .

[@OlJarhead]

A lot of details left out of this story. Also… it wasn’t “stolen”… it’s called “spoils of war”.

[@JOSEPHMATTHEWHOLLAND]

Glad to see it home from Western Kentucky

[@intermodus2180]

One Quick Correction: A Sword Cannot be Stolen from a corpse. The Sword was appropriated from the battlefield as a war trophy. Regardless of whose hands lifted it. Only Pictures, I.D.'s, or inherently items unique to the individual. The closest the sword gets, is in the third category, and a monogram has not made something unique since you wrote your name on a sippy cup.

[@12martin12rojas]

Someone kills someone and takes their belongings is literally stealing, and happens in war all the time

[@robinrodriguez480]

Yea definitely a cool piece of history!! Im just wondering why she kept it hid for so long🤔 ??

[@djjohnson9389]

bcuz she was sitting on a gold mine. Normal officers swords go for $3000-$5000. That's probably a $100,000 artifact.

[@davidgreene6976]

She was trying to keep the peace.She probably read "Thy shall not kill", in the Bible so she was wrestling with her conscious.🌸🥀🌻🌺🤣🤣🤣😅😅😅😆🤣🌹🏰🌹🌺

[@lucan357]

Its called war trophy it happens in war not stolen.

[@TSimo113]

The sword wasn't stolen. Shaw was killed and someone claimed it as a trophy. They earned it

[@Mikell-h2c]

Wasn’t Gettysburg the turning point, man was that a inaccurate report is all media like that in bean town

[@3rdnewjerseyregiment974]

More so Vicksburg but yes Gettysburg was part of the turning point for sure.

[@fortunatebum]

They all took place in July of 1863, this month was the turning point of the war.

[@unbreakable7633]

Ft. Wagner didn't change the course of the Civil War. At all.

[@keptinkaos6384]

you want to rename fort hood I cannot think of a better name than fort Robert Gould Shaw

[@LeftBlankIntentionally]

@Chandros Evans they would probably call it racist and then burn it down.

[@LeftBlankIntentionally]

@Chandros Evans no I just call out a terrible group, for instance they are so ignorant that they defaced the 54th Massachusetts regiments memorial.

[@jasonwilliamson8416]

Certain Black Lives Matter Every Four Years rioters defaced the 54ths monument in Boston. Their have been 30 Presidents from both parties in office since the Civil War ended, including the first Black President. Any one of them had the power to rename these military bases, they just didn't want to.

[@Shugga23]

@@jasonwilliamson8416 The US has not had a black president this narrative needs to stop. Neither is kamala a black woman.

[@Shugga23]

@@LeftBlankIntentionally you are correct white liberals tearing down statues is terrible.

[@StLProgressive]

How did I miss this? Wow, truly amazing.

[@andrewsabin729]

I was in awe when I saw a copy of that monument in the Smithsonian in D.C.

[@jamesknowles658]

Swords were often kept as trophies during the Civil War. The fact that it was returned to Shaw's family speaks to the real America that we developed. 🙏🏾🤷🏾‍♂️

[@nathankindle282]

Stop saying his sword was "stolen". It wasn't. Until very recently it was common to take personal effects off dead enemy troops, either before burial or moving on. This included everything from boots, watches, flags and even weapons, like pistols, knives swords, rifles and in the 20th century sub-machine guns. Some items were taken for necessity, likes boots and even some weapons. Others were just taken as mementos. Until recently, and for thousands of years, it was considered an acceptable practice

[@GregMarshall-wn3ck]

One of Miltary most Iconic Officers !

[@FloridaManFossiling]

Well that's something the daughter will never forgive the mother for lol

[@davidgreene6976]

Did you find any Lightning ⚡ bolt fossils Florida man?🤣😅😆😋🦝🤡🦝🤣🤣😅😆I brought some from Florida last year.I love Florida's Clearwater Rainbow 🌈 Madonna Miracle apparition site.😇God bless.Union Angel and Peace ✌️,amen

[@Dannysoutherner]

The movie Glory was where I learned about him and those men. I am southern but I respect the bravery of men who would charge a well defended position knowing they were dead but doing it anyway. You could never get away with fighting a war that way today.

[@Bellthorian]

They need to restore that sword to preserve it.

[@leroyhovatter7051]

It probably hasn't changed much since Shaw held it you can tell its been exposed to moisture rain humidity heat and cold probably during the colonels lifetime.

[@Madkklown]

Its been a year for this comment But tbh, the sword doesnt need to be restored. It looks perfectly fine as it is.

[@Bellthorian]

@@Madkklown It looks rusty, it should be cared for like all military equipment should to keep it in top condition.

[@BigLisaFan]

To remove the patina of age will destroy the sword's story for all time. Preserve it as it is.

[@tarn1135]

It wasn’t exactly stolen. He was dead and the confederates generally stripped and dead of clothes, boots, ammo, food, guns, swords, and whatever else was of use. That’s what you have to do when your leaders start a war but forget about little things like supplying your soldiers with essentials to fight and win a war. It’s kind of funny that even though at least half of the 54th’s men died that day at fort Wagner the confederates buried them in mass graves which ended up poisoning their own water supply. Suitable revenge if you ask me.

[@josephroman5429]

The Battle at Wagner was not a 'turning point' in the American Civil War, as the reporter thinks....Just another battle....

[@vincehammons]

As historic as the event was, it was not a turning point, nor did it have a direct effect on the outcome of the war. While Shaw and his men are to be commended and were brave beyond any measure, history is facts, not rewritten wishful thinking.

[@kingjoe3rd]

How was the sword "stolen" if it was in the attic of one of Shaw's relatives?

[@adamberndt4190]

Why Do they keep saying it was stolen? How do they know it was stolen, they weren't there. If I'm in the middle of a battle and I drop my gun I'm going to pick up whatever weapon I can find close by, how do we know that didn't happen?

[@jt-ff3yx]

Cool story, and hate to nitpick, but the Battle of Ft Wagner was in no way a turning point that changed the course of the Civil War.

[@EagleEyeM4]

African Americans from New Orleans formed three National Guard units: the First, Second and Third Louisiana Native Guard. (These became the 73rd, 74th and 75th United States Colored Infantry.) The First Kansas Colored Infantry (later the 79th United States Colored Infantry) fought in the October 1862 skirmish at Island Mound, Missouri. And the First South Carolina Infantry, African Descent (later the 33rd United States Colored Infantry) went on its first expedition in November 1862. These unofficial regiments were officially mustered into service in January 1863.

[@davidgreene6976]

Thank you Rebel marksman,excellant deep information appreciated. 🤡 Clown.Stop rebel yelling at me,it hurts my ears.

[@DonB.-Mulefivefive]

The leading question is, does any one else hear shades of James Horner's "Glory" in tis anywhere?

[@chrisnewport7826]

Not stolen, picked up. Both sides got re equipped on the battle field.

[@davidgreene6976]

Stay off of that battlefield you ghoul.🤡

[@ziggymorris8760]

Denzel Washington stole it

[@thgentleman9210]

I'm related to the Shaw family :) I'm also a distant cousin!

[@bravesoul5743]

Really honored to know the story of Col Shaw and the 54th

[@themorecivilizedkind6800]

Wow your ancestors were really brave i bet your really proud

[@robertschris82]

The movie Glory brought me here

[@karlheinzvonkroemann2217]

It's certainly a piece of history for radical abolitionists. They had been begging for a chance to enter the war as a combat unit and this battle was it. The battle of Battery Wagner had many Federal regiments involved and they all got slaughtered. It proved mainly that Black men could stop a bullet as good as White men could. Another sad in the Civil War.

[@gregory196011]

Sorry Ft wagner was never captured and stayed in service until the end of the war.

[@dalemoss4684]

Wow that is so cool! I thought it more resembled a confederate sabre than a union one, but it being British makes sense. The confederacy took a lot of military inspiration from the British

[@edwardrichard2561]

That battle didn’t change the course of the war. The North lost that battle if I remember.

[@mxxt9796]

It did. They lost the battle but they won the war obviously. It inspired over 100k blacks to inlost and to fight for freedom and human equality in the Union....evil never prevails

[@darrylbrown8253]

I am sure they would be glad how the war turned out. Didnt win Ft. Wagner but they won the war.

[@IamACanadian47]

Thank you 👏🇨🇦

[@hawkdsl]

The "turning point of the war" was at Gettysburg.

[@deanrantz1112]

I think what they mean by 'Turning point' Is in regards to the Use and bravery of 'African American' Soldiers Combat role(s)....In the Civil War

[@cheryletaimalie6012]

It would of been stolen of his body by enemy soldier

[@sunnyjacksmack]

He didn't change the coarse of the Civil War

[@daveh9521]

One of my fondest memories of my college years as an art student at Boston University, back in the 1970's, was coming across the magnificent 54th Mass monument in front of the State House. At the time (and still) a Civil War buff, I stood before this work and couldn't look away. I was just as mystified by the black soldiers. Who were they? And in all the Civil War materials I had, I hadn't read about them! I would love to know how this sword made its way from the South Carolina coast to an attic in Boston?

[@kilcar]

All Volunteers, All knew a very special "new" country was being created. They all saw the true holiness of the cause. Sometimes you realize your life is not important, but can create something holy with its ending, as Jesus did.

[@Gypsy-Tongue]

Was the 54th Massachusetts infantry men really the first volunteer all black regiment in the Union? I do wonder if there was another battalion. I know in Glory they talked about freed slaves instantly being drafted in the southern battle areas. I do think that they are the first official black regiment in the Union army but i want to be sure.

[@davidgreene6976]

First Kansas Colored won battle of Cabin Creek fought in Indian Territory on July 1-2,1863.Along with white Kansas and Union Indian Territory units.Their charge defeated a Confederate Texas and Indian unit that out number then 2 to 1. Peace ✌️ and Union,amen ✝️✝️✝️😄😅😅🌈🏰🌈🤣

[@邱偉立]

very beautiful sword

[@davidgreene6976]

A Chinese slave ran away from his master and joined the Federal Union army to fight for his freedom.😇Peace and Angel of Union through Clearwater Virgin 🌈 rainbow miracle,amen

[@QuinnJACKSON-zx1dx]

Awesome story but the news anchors went over the top with the 'the sword was stolen' baiting plug....it was recovered by someone who probably attempted to get it back home.

[@Steve-oc7ev]

WOW they found it I named my son Robert I watch that movie in school long time ago my son is 25% black 25% White 50% Mexico

[@SilverHeist]

Powerful movie “Glory” about the 54th. Highly recommended.

[@davidb2206]

So the family had it the whole time. Now in Boston and Philly and Chicago you are getting the fruits of exactly what Lincoln wanted for you.

[@Semper_Iratus]

IT WAS A SPOIL OF WAR NOT STOLEN. OK

[@LeeHoFooks]

One of my favorite movies of all time. However, it was not a turning point in the war.

[@MultiSkyman1]

Wonder what the value at auction would have been.

[@mrsx7944]

Thousands

[@djjohnson9389]

that's a six figure piece of war memorabilia.

[@3rdnewjerseyregiment974]

And how was the battle of Fort Wagner a turning point in the Civil War?

[@kryptonian5416]

Because more black men joined the union army soon after which doubled the union's army than it was in its existence.

[@donaldbrady3850]

@@kryptonian5416 it add 100,000 soldiers I believe.

[@chukarcory74]

@@kryptonian5416 Utter nonsense. 180k African American troops served in the Union Army in totality. Roughly 10% of the overall enlistment.

[@chukarcory74]

It wasn't. Pretty insignificant in the grand scheme of things. But the "narrative" must be fed.

[@kryptonian5416]

@@chukarcory74 LADIES AND GENTLEMAN GIVE IT UP FOR THE HISTORIAN!!!!! MORON!

[@AndrewBarsky]

The men went into what was essentially the Omaha beach of the civil war. They knew they were going to die, but went anyways.

[@sack943]

Things you learn from just listening to our elders Robert Gould shaw is a distant relative of my father in laws family what an incredible piece of history just sitting in there attic

[@rsuriyop]

A truly invaluable piece of history right there. This was probably be like King Arthur's sword to us Americans.

[@Madkklown]

Agree

[@TheIrishAmish]

Shaw led the 54th down into the crater instead of around the lip of the crater.

[@tuvoca825]

The sword is not as important as the man.

[@himmler1007]

Wait a minute isn’t that offensive to our country? Are the liberals going to bring it down???

[@cadethumann8605]

himmler1007 What, the sword? Swords are awesome, bro/sis! Why would anyone want to bring down an iconic weapon?

[@TrekJohnDoe]

himmler1007 here we go with the liberal bull****.

[@badlaamaurukehu]

@@cadethumann8605 B'b'b'but it's a symbol of whyte phallicism!

[@cheriehawthorne9246]

@@badlaamaurukehu b-b-b-but you sound like a symbol of silliness. Just stop it!

[@anteusleone]

Awesome!

[@matthewskudzienski888]

(Glory)(1989)