George Williams Grave

George Williams was a corporal for Company H of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry during the United States Civil War. The 54th infantry was an all-black regiment in a white man’s war, created by the union out of desperation and need for more soldiers. He worked as a barber until he enlisted on April 21, 1863, in Chicago, Illinois at the age of 25. When enlisting, there was supposed to be equal pay between white and black soldiers, however, black soldiers still had to pay for their food and uniforms. During his time in service, he fought and survived the battle of Fort Wagner. The battle at Fort Wagner was the first major war for the 54th infantry but it was a key step in the Union army’s movement toward the south, and while the all-black regiment was leading the battle, it also became the first time in which an all-black regiment fought together with white soldiers. George Williams survived that battle with few others from his regiment, but the destruction they caused was proof that African Americans could fight.

George William’s headstone at Hope Cemetery is not his actual grave, rather it is a memorial cenotaph commemorating his efforts in the war. Due to Galesburg being the first stop in an abolitionist area, the location of the cenotaph works to highlight the efforts and strengths of African Americans as well as Galesburg’s stance for pro abolition. His gravesite is actually located at Beaufort National Cemetery in South Carolina. Although it is unknown where or how he died, Beaufort National Cemetery is one of the largest burial sites for soldiers of the 54th infantry, with many having died in the surrounding hospitals, so he likely died around that area. The location of the cenotaph in Galesburg is likely due to Galesburg's ties with abolition and the impact George Williams and the 54th infantry had on African Americans.