History Daily: "The Battle of New Market Heights" (September 29, 2025)

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode of History Daily, narrated by Lindsay Graham, delves into the pivotal, yet often under-recognized role of African American soldiers during the American Civil War. Through vivid storytelling, the episode traces the journey from early acts of forced labor and volunteerism in Cincinnati, through landmark battles like the First Kansas Colored Volunteers’ skirmish, the heroism of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry at Fort Wagner, and concluding with the defining valor displayed at the Battle of New Market Heights. The episode highlights the evolution of Black military participation, their fight for dignity and recognition, and the crucial impact of their bravery on the path to Union victory.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Forced Labor and Courage in Cincinnati (00:00–04:58)

• The story opens in September 1862, Cincinnati, focusing on Powhatan Beatty, a free African American cabinet maker.
• Cincinnati police forcibly conscript Black men to build city defenses amid Confederate threats.
• The shift from coercion to volunteerism: Black community steps forward, forming the Cincinnati Black Brigade—the first African American unit employed for military duty in the Civil War.
• Insight: The episode notes the early and often overlooked sacrifices and resilience of free Black Americans even before being allowed to officially bear arms.

“But as the men next to him pick up their shovels, Houghton hesitates. He was born a slave but gained his freedom years ago, and even though he's willing to support the Union, he doesn't want to be treated like a slave again.”
— Lindsey Graham (02:16)

2. The First Kansas Colored Volunteers and Steadfast Valor (04:58–11:53)

• October 1862: George Washington, formerly enslaved in Missouri, joins the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers.
• Despite paying for their own equipment and being outside the official federal ranks due to racism, these men commit to Union service.
• A harrowing skirmish with Confederate bushwhackers proves the mettle of Black soldiers, changing perceptions and opening the door to their official enlistment in the Union Army.
• Impact: Their sacrifice convinces President Lincoln to begin officially accepting Black soldiers, greatly expanding the Union’s manpower.

“After this skirmish, the bravery of soldiers like George will no longer be in question.”
— Lindsey Graham (09:38)

3. The 54th Massachusetts Infantry and Fort Wagner (11:53–16:52)

• July 1863: The famous 54th Massachusetts—one of the first African American regiments in the Union Army—prepares for the assault on Fort Wagner in South Carolina.
• Captain John Appleton, a white officer, details the regiment’s anticipation, courage, and the gruesome losses during the attack.
• Despite failing to take the fort and suffering heavy casualties, the regiment’s bravery becomes a rallying point for Black enlistment and a powerful symbol in the North.

“The African Americans in the 54th Massachusetts have fought with a ferocity he's never seen before, and John does not want their sacrifice to be in vain.”
— Lindsey Graham (15:53)

• Notable Anecdote: The persistence of wounded soldiers and the unbreakable spirit in the face of mortal danger.

4. The Battle of New Market Heights & Powhatan Beatty’s Heroism (18:04–22:04)

• September 29, 1864: Powhatan Beatty, now First Sergeant, advances with the 5th Colored Infantry near Richmond, Virginia.
• The regiment’s attack is stalled in a swamp under brutal enemy fire. When forced to retreat, Beatty realizes the company’s flag is lost on the battlefield.
• In a display of exceptional bravery, Beatty retrieves the flag from under fire and rallies the exhausted survivors for another successful assault.
• The episode concludes by emphasizing the 14 Medals of Honor awarded to Black soldiers for valor at New Market Heights, marking a high-water mark for African American military contributions and symbolizing a crucial step toward Army integration.

“Without thinking of the danger, Powhatan runs back across the marshy ground toward the Confederate lines. He reaches the flag and takes it from the dead hands of the color bearer… His stomach sinks as he realizes it's the company's color flag.”
— Lindsey Graham (19:10)

• Historical Impact: Over 180,000 Black men ultimately serve the Union cause by war’s end, with New Market Heights becoming a cornerstone of African American heroism.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the transformation from forced labor to volunteerism:
  “Powhatan Beatty and 700 black men will answer the call again, 300 more than the police had forced into labor.”
  — Lindsey Graham (02:50)

• On the official recognition sparked by battlefield valor:
  “Impressed by their courage and commitment to the Union, Abraham Lincoln will start accepting black troops into the federal army…”
  — Lindsey Graham (09:53)

• On the ultimate price paid at Fort Wagner:
  “In the end, the assault will be a disaster and Fort Wagner will remain in Confederate hands at the cost of more than 1500 Union casualties. But the ferocious attack by the 54th Massachusetts will be reported in the Northern press as a glorious failure.”
  — Lindsey Graham (16:44)

• On the legacy at New Market Heights:
  “The courage and resilience of the regiments at New Market Heights will remain a high point of African American military contribution long after their valiant effort to penetrate Richmond's defenses on September 29, 1864.”
  — Lindsey Graham (21:28)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–04:58: Powhatan Beatty, the Cincinnati Black Brigade, and the shift from conscription to proud volunteerism.
• 04:58–11:53: George Washington and the First Kansas Colored Volunteers; breaking down racial barriers in military service.
• 11:53–16:52: The 54th Massachusetts Infantry’s assault on Fort Wagner; heroism in the face of overwhelming odds.
• 18:04–22:04: The Battle of New Market Heights; Powhatan Beatty’s valor; lasting legacy of Black soldiers in the Civil War.

Conclusion

This episode skillfully weaves together personal stories and historical momentum, showing how the courage of Black Americans during the Civil War—often at extraordinary personal risk—helped turn the tide of the war and reshaped the army and the nation itself. Their experiences at Cincinnati, Missouri, Fort Wagner, and especially New Market Heights are portrayed with respect and vivid detail, underscoring a hard-won legacy of dignity and valor.