115th Indiana Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 115th Indiana Infantry (Six Months’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Indianapolis, Indiana, in June and July 1863 for Union service during the American Civil War. The regiment was mustered in on August 17, 1863, in response to President Lincoln’s call for six months’ troops. Serving primarily in Kentucky and East Tennessee, the 115th Indiana was part of the Union Army’s efforts to secure key mountain passes and maintain control in the region.

This regiment served exclusively during its six months’ term and should not be confused with any other Indiana regiments of different service durations.

Organization & Service

The 115th Indiana Infantry (Six Months’ Service) was organized at Indianapolis and mustered into Federal service on August 17, 1863. Shortly after organization, the regiment departed Indiana on September 16, 1863, moving to Nicholasville, Kentucky, where it joined General Wilcox’s command. Four regiments of six months’ men, including the 115th, were brigaded together under Colonel John R. Mahan, with Lieutenant Colonel Alfred J. Hawn assuming command of the 115th Indiana.

On September 24, 1863, the regiment began its march toward Cumberland Gap, passing through Crab Orchard, Mount Vernon, London, and Barboursville, reaching the Gap on October 3. The regiment advanced to Morristown on October 8 and to Blue Springs on October 10, where it participated in driving Confederate forces from their position and pursued them for approximately 15 miles. The 115th Indiana remained at Greenville until November 6, then moved to Bull’s Gap, where it spent time fortifying the area. Subsequent movements included duty at Clinch Gap, Sycamore, and Walker’s Ford, with the regiment performing mountain duty in East Tennessee throughout the winter.

The regiment endured significant hardship during this period, facing shortages of camp equipage and rations, often subsisting on parched corn without sugar or coffee. These conditions led to considerable sickness and exhaustion among the men. The 115th Indiana returned to Indianapolis on February 10, 1864, and was mustered out of service a few days later.

Engagements & Campaigns

• March to Cumberland Gap (September–October 1863)
• Operations at Morristown (October 8, 1863)
• Battle of Blue Springs (October 10, 1863)
• Duty at Greenville, Bull’s Gap, Clinch Gap, Sycamore, and Walker’s Ford (Fall 1863–Winter 1864)

Casualties

The 115th Indiana Infantry (Six Months’ Service) had an original strength of 922 men, with a gain of 55 recruits, totaling 977. The regiment lost 72 men by death and 21 by desertion during its term of service. Detailed breakdowns of deaths by cause are not specified in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel John R. Mahan
• Lieutenant Colonel Alfred J. Hawn
• Major Harrison Woodsmall

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 115th Indiana Infantry (Six Months’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. For a detailed listing of all personnel who served in this regiment, please visit the 115th Indiana Infantry (Six Months’ Service) Roster page.

This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 30, Part I–III
• Indiana Adjutant General’s Report
• Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 3