George Williams Headstone

George Williams' granite headstone at Hope Cemetery. The inscription reads, "Corp. George Williams Co. H 54 Mass. Inf." Birth and Death date unknown

George Williams was a Civil War veteran from Chicago who fought in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, an all-African-American regiment. This regiment was created by the United States government to field more men for the war, which was starting to become less about states' rights, and more about slavery. Before enlisting on April 21, 1863, he worked as a barber in Chicago. He was a part of the famous battle at Ft. Wagner, where the 54th fought valiantly to secure the fort. This battle was also famous because it marked one of the first times that whites and African-Americans fought with each other. The critically acclaimed movie, "Glory," is about this battle. Fortunately, George Williams survived the battle, and he left the army on August 20, 1865. 

George Williams's gravsite at Beaufort National Cemetery. Granite headstone whose inscription reads, "1289 Geo. W- Mass." Birth and Death date unknown. 

It is unknown when or how George Williams died, but it is known that he is not actually buried at Hope Cemetery. He is instead interred at Beaufort National Cemetery in Beaufort, South Carolina. The headstone located in Galesburg is simply a memorial to him. A very important person to the town, he is constantly written about in Galesburg's newspaper. His presence, so to speak, reassures the town of its founding as a safe haven for those who need it. Founded as an abolitionist town and as a stop for the Underground Railroad, Galesburg prides itself on its passion and history for social justice, and George William's headstone's prominent place in the town serves as a reminder to the townspeople of that fight for social justice in the modern day.