90th Indiana Regiment / 5th Indiana Cavalry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 90th Indiana Regiment, also known as the 5th Indiana Cavalry, served as a Union cavalry regiment during the American Civil War. Organized at Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1862, the regiment was mustered into Federal service in stages between August and October of that year. The unit served primarily in the Western Theater, participating in numerous campaigns and engagements across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia. The 5th Indiana Cavalry was notable for its active scouting, skirmishing, and participation in major cavalry operations, including the pursuit of Morgan’s Raiders and the Atlanta Campaign.

This regiment was attached to various commands throughout its service and was mustered out at Pulaski, Tennessee, on June 16, 1865. Companies G, L, and M, along with later recruits, were transferred to the 6th Indiana Cavalry and served until September 1865.

Organization & Service

The 90th Indiana Regiment (5th Indiana Cavalry) was organized at Indianapolis in 1862. Four companies were mustered in during August, five in September, and three in October. Initially, Robert R. Stewart was designated as colonel but declined the position; Felix W. Graham, previously major, was promoted to colonel. In October 1862, Companies C and F were sent to Carrollton, Kentucky, and Company I to Rising Sun, Indiana. These companies remained on detached duty until December, then moved to Louisville and Munfordville, joining the main regiment at Glasgow in March 1863.

The remaining companies were stationed in various Indiana border towns before regrouping at Louisville in February 1863 and moving to Glasgow in March. Once reunited, the regiment engaged in scouting and skirmishing operations, including the burning of Celina, Tennessee. The unit was active in capturing prisoners and participated in the pursuit of Morgan’s Raiders, notably engaging at Buffington Island on July 19, 1863, where they captured artillery and prisoners.

In August 1863, the regiment marched to East Tennessee, becoming the first Union regiment to enter Knoxville on September 1. It participated in expeditions across the Smoky Mountains, engaged in skirmishes near Zollicoffer and Blountsville, and fought at Henderson’s Mill and Rheatown. The regiment continued outpost and scouting duties through late 1863, including actions at Walker’s Ford, Blain’s Cross Roads, and Bean’s Station.

In early 1864, the regiment fought at Mossy Creek and Dandridge, then moved to Knoxville, where its horses were transferred to the 14th Illinois Cavalry. The regiment operated on foot until remounted at Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. In May 1864, it joined Stoneman’s command for the Atlanta Campaign, participating in cavalry operations from Dalton to Decatur and in the July raid toward Macon. Part of the regiment was surrendered with Stoneman, while others remained at Decatur and later rejoined the unit in Kentucky after parole and exchange.

Remounted, the regiment moved to Pulaski, Tennessee, in January 1865, conducting scouting and anti-guerrilla operations until mustered out on June 16, 1865. Companies G, L, and M, along with recruits, were transferred to the 6th Indiana Cavalry and served until September 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Scouting and skirmishes in Kentucky and Tennessee (1862–1863)
• Pursuit of Morgan’s Raiders, including Buffington Island (July 1863)
• East Tennessee Campaign, including entry into Knoxville (September 1863)
• Expeditions across the Smoky Mountains, skirmishes at Zollicoffer, Blountsville, Henderson’s Mill, Rheatown (Fall 1863)
• Walker’s Ford, Blain’s Cross Roads, Bean’s Station (Late 1863)
• Mossy Creek, Dandridge (January 1864)
• Atlanta Campaign (May–September 1864), including operations from Dalton to Decatur
• Stoneman’s Raid toward Macon (July 1864)
• Scouting and anti-guerrilla operations near Pulaski, Tennessee (1865)

Casualties

• Original strength: 1,242
• Gained by recruits: 522
• Total served: 1,764
• Loss by death: 217
• Deserted: 125
• Unaccounted for: 99

Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Robert R. Stewart (declined commission)
• Colonel Felix W. Graham
• Colonel Thomas H. Butler
• Lieutenant Colonel Josiah Forth
• Lieutenant Colonel Thomas H. Butler
• Lieutenant Colonel John Woolley
• Major Felix W. Graham
• Major John S. Lyle
• Major John Woolley
• Major Joseph R. Haugh
• Major Chauncey H. Thompson
• Major Moses D. Leeson
• Major Mell H. Soper

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 90th Indiana Regiment (5th Indiana Cavalry), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details for those who served in the regiment.

To view the complete roster, visit the 90th Indiana Regiment (5th Indiana Cavalry) Roster page.

Sources & References

• The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (O.R.), Series I, various volumes
• Dyer, Frederick H. “A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion”
• Indiana Adjutant General’s Report, Civil War Volumes
• Fox, William F. “Regimental Losses in the American Civil War”
• “The Union Army,” Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 3