Overview
The 125th Indiana Regiment, also known as the 10th Indiana Cavalry, served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized as a cavalry regiment, it was mustered in at Vincennes and Columbus, Indiana, on February 2, 1863. The regiment primarily operated in the Western Theater, participating in significant campaigns and engagements across Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. Its service was marked by extensive railroad guard duty, numerous skirmishes, and participation in major battles during the latter part of the war.
This unit is distinct from other Indiana regiments and should not be confused with infantry units of similar designation.
Organization & Service
The 125th Indiana Regiment (10th Indiana Cavalry) was organized during the fall and winter of 1862–63 at Vincennes and Columbus, Indiana. The regiment was mustered into Federal service on February 2, 1863. After organization, it departed Indiana on May 3, 1863, moving through Nashville to Pulaski, Tennessee. The regiment was assigned to railroad guard duty at Pulaski and Decatur, Alabama, during the Atlanta campaign, where it encountered several skirmishes with Confederate cavalry under Roddey, Wheeler, and Forrest.
On September 28, 1864, the regiment engaged Forrest’s forces at Pulaski, suffering notable casualties. A detachment under Major Williamson at Decatur fought Hood’s army for four days in October 1864. Other elements, under Lieutenant Colonel Gresham, participated in actions at Nashville, Little Harpeth, Reynolds’ Hill, and Sugar Creek, incurring further losses but capturing prisoners and enemy colors. In December 1864 and January 1865, the Decatur detachment fought at Flint River, Indian Creek, Courtland, and Mount Hope, capturing artillery, prisoners, wagons, and mules.
The regiment reunited in February 1865 and moved to New Orleans, then to Mobile, Alabama, where it participated in the reduction of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely. Following the occupation of Mobile, the regiment advanced to Eufaula and Montgomery, Alabama, then to Columbus, Mississippi, and finally to Vicksburg. From July to August 1865, it performed garrison and patrol duties in Holmes and Attala counties, Mississippi. The regiment was mustered out at Vicksburg on August 31, 1865.
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
- Railroad guard duty at Pulaski, Tennessee, and Decatur, Alabama (1863–1864)
- Skirmishes with Confederate cavalry under Roddey, Wheeler, and Forrest
- Action at Pulaski, Tennessee (September 28, 1864)
- Defense of Decatur, Alabama (October 1864)
- Engagements at Nashville, Little Harpeth, Reynolds’ Hill, and Sugar Creek
- Battles of Flint River, Indian Creek, Courtland, and Mount Hope (December 1864–January 1865)
- Reduction of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely (Mobile Campaign, 1865)
- Occupation of Mobile, Alabama
- Garrison and patrol duty in Holmes and Attala counties, Mississippi (July–August 1865)
Casualties
- Original strength: 1,254
- Gained by recruits: 93
- Total enrollment: 1,347
- Loss by death: 167
- Desertions: 88
- Unaccounted for: 47
- Notable incidents: 8 killed and 42 wounded at Pulaski (September 28, 1864); 8 killed, 43 wounded, and 75 captured in subsequent actions; 35 killed in the Sultana disaster (April 28, 1865); 5 killed and 70 injured in a railway accident (May 1864)
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel Thomas N. Pace
- Colonel George R. Swallow
- Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Q. A. Gresham
- Lieutenant Colonel George R. Swallow
- Lieutenant Colonel Thomas G. Williamson
- Major George R. Swallow
- Major George F. Herriott
- Major Thomas G. Williamson
- Major Sylvanus Milner
- Major DeWitt C. James
- Major George R. Mitchell
Regimental Roster
The complete roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 125th Indiana Regiment (10th Indiana Cavalry) is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster includes details on enlistment, rank, and service history for each member of the regiment.
To view the full regimental roster, visit the 125th Indiana Regiment (10th Indiana Cavalry) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (see reports on operations in Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi, 1863–1865)
- 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