Cpl William Morris Headstone & Grave, Key West

3D Model

In 1863, after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, many free blacks and newly-liberated slaves joined the Union army. Around 130 men from the island of Key West, Florida were recruited for the 2nd Regiment South Carolina Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Col. James Montgomery. The volunteers fought bravely in South Carolina, Georgia, and North Florida, and at least eighteen died in service. The 2nd SC most famously participated in the Combahee River raid, led by Harriet Tubman, which resulted in the liberation of nearly 700 slaves. The headstone and grave of one of these men, Corporal William Morris, is found in the Key West City Cemetery. Morris, a native Key Wester, died in service at Beaufort, SC. He was seventeen years old.