Overview
The 104th Indiana Infantry (Minute Men) was an emergency infantry regiment organized by the State of Indiana for Union service during the American Civil War. The regiment was formed in July 1863 in response to the Confederate cavalry raid led by Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan. The unit was composed of both “minute men” and Indiana Legion companies, reflecting its rapid mobilization for state defense. The 104th Indiana Infantry served for a brief period in July 1863 and was primarily active in southeastern Indiana and along the Ohio border.
Organization & Service
Upon receiving news on July 8, 1863, that Morgan’s Confederate cavalry had crossed the Ohio River near Mauckport and was advancing toward Corydon, Indiana authorities issued a call for volunteers. Within two days, over 65,000 men offered their services, leading to the rapid organization of regiments numbered 102 through 114, including the 104th Indiana Infantry.
The 104th Indiana Infantry was organized at Greensburg, Indiana, on July 10, 1863, under the command of Colonel James Gavin. The regiment consisted of six companies of minute men and four companies from the Indiana Legion. Six companies were raised in Decatur County, with one company each from Fayette, Madison, Marion, and Rush counties. The regiment mustered a total of 719 officers and men. After organization, the 104th moved to Sunman’s Station, then to Lawrenceburg, and subsequently advanced toward Harrison, Ohio, as part of the effort to intercept Morgan’s forces. Following Morgan’s escape from Indiana, the regiment returned to Greensburg and was mustered out of service on July 18, 1863.
Research This Regiment Further
If you’d like to explore this unit’s history in more depth, regimental histories and Civil War reference works offer valuable detail.
Engagements & Campaigns
- Emergency mobilization during Morgan’s Raid (July 1863)
- Movements to Sunman’s Station, Lawrenceburg, and toward Harrison, Ohio
Casualties
No casualties were reported for the 104th Indiana Infantry (Minute Men) during its brief period of service.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel James Gavin
- Lieutenant Colonel Jacob S. Buchanan
- Major Martin W. Richardson
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 104th Indiana Infantry (Minute Men), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. For a complete listing of soldiers who served in this regiment, please visit the 104th Indiana Infantry (Minute Men) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part II
- Indiana Adjutant General’s Report
- Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Vol. 3