Overview
The 118th Indiana Infantry (Six Months’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Indiana for Union service during the American Civil War. The regiment was principally organized at Wabash during July and August 1863, then moved to Indianapolis to complete its organization. It was mustered into United States service on September 16, 1863, for a term of six months. The 118th Indiana served primarily in Kentucky and East Tennessee, participating in operations in the Western Theater.
This unit is distinct from any Indiana regiments with different service terms.
Organization & Service
The 118th Indiana Infantry (Six Months’ Service) was organized during July and August 1863, with most of its companies forming at Wabash, Indiana. The regiment moved to Indianapolis on August 31, 1863, where its organization was completed. It was mustered in for six months’ service on September 16, 1863, under the command of Colonel George W. Jackson.
On the day of mustering in, the regiment departed Indiana and joined other six months’ regiments at Nicholasville, Kentucky. The 118th Indiana then moved with these units into East Tennessee, passing through Cumberland Gap and Morristown to Greeneville. In November 1863, the regiment accompanied its command to the Clinch River and participated in the battle of Walker’s Ford. During this engagement, Colonel Jackson was placed in command of a brigade sent to relieve the 5th Indiana Cavalry, which was under heavy enemy pressure. The 118th Indiana, led by Lieutenant Colonel Henry C. Elliott, crossed the river, formed in line of battle, and advanced to support the cavalry’s withdrawal. The regiment then fell back under enemy assault, repelled a charge, and recrossed the river.
Throughout the winter, the regiment was engaged in arduous campaign duties in East Tennessee and suffered greatly from the conditions. In January 1864, it moved to Maynardville, then to Cumberland Gap and Camp Nelson, Kentucky. The regiment returned to Indiana and was mustered out at Indianapolis about the middle of February 1864.
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
- Operations in Kentucky and East Tennessee (September 1863 – February 1864)
- March from Nicholasville, Kentucky, to Cumberland Gap and Morristown, Tennessee
- Battle of Walker’s Ford (Clinch River), November 1863
- Winter campaign duties in East Tennessee
Casualties
The original strength of the regiment was 987 men, with a gain of 30 recruits, totaling 1,017. Loss by death was reported as 81; desertions, 26; unaccounted for, 17. These figures are based on state and regimental records.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel George W. Jackson
- Lieutenant Colonel Henry C. Elliott
- Major Henry B. Sayler
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 118th Indiana Infantry (Six Months’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and other service details as recorded in official state and regimental records.
To view the complete roster, visit the 118th Indiana Infantry (Six Months’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 31, Part I
- Indiana Adjutant General’s Report
- Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- Federal Publishing Company, The Union Army, Vol. 3 (1908)