On June 11, 1863, Federal forces stationed on nearby St. Simons Island vandalized and burned the seaport of Darien. The town was largely deserted, with most of its 500 residents having sought refuge inland. Public buildings, churches, businesses, and most private residences were lost. The raid was carried out by units that were among the first African-American troops to serve the Union cause, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteers under Col. Robert G. Shaw and the 2nd South Carolina Volunteers under Col. James Montgomery. Because Darien was undefended and of little strategic importance, its burning became one of the most controversial events of the Civil War.