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Birth Date
Robert Gould Shaw was born to Francis Gould and Sarah Sturgis Shaw. In a family of four sisters with Robert being the only son. -
Event
Robert Shaw's family moved to Staten Island, New York. There he was enrolled in St, John's College Roman Catholic School, despite being Unitarian. -
Traveling
The family traveled to Europe and Robert continued his studies abroad. -
Education
Robert attended college at Harvard University. -
Education
Robert withdrew from college to work for his uncle in New York. -
Joining the War
Joined the Seventh New York Regiment and marched to the defense of Washington. -
War
He joined the Second Massachusetts Infantry as First Lieutenant. During the next two years, he rose to the rank of captain. -
Battle of Winchester
Shaw avoided being wounded when a bullet hit his pocket watch. -
54th Massachusetts
Shaw received a offer to command the first African-American regiment raised in the north, the 54th Massachusetts. Which he accepted. -
Recruiting
He arrived in Boston to begin recruiting. -
Promoted Colonel
Robert Gould Shaw was officially promoted to colonel. -
Married
Shaw married his sweetheart Anna Kneeland Haggerty in New York. -
Death
At the age of 26, Robert Gould Shaw was killed while leading his army of all African-American soldiers to attack the Confederates at the battle of James Island.