Fort Wagner was a Confederate fort located on Morris Island, South Carolina, during the American Civil War. It was strategically important for controlling access to the harbor of Charleston. The fort was heavily fortified with earthworks and artillery, making it a challenging target for Union forces. The most notable battle at Fort Wagner occurred on July 18, 1863, when the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first African American regiments, led a courageous assault. Despite their bravery, the Union forces faced heavy casualties and were unable to capture the fort, which remained in Confederate hands until its eventual fall in 1865.