140th Indiana Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 140th Indiana Infantry (One Year’s Service) was an infantry regiment from Indiana that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized in September and October 1864, the regiment was formed by consolidating parts of two regiments raised in the 3rd and 5th Congressional districts, originally numbered the 140th and 141st. The unit was mustered into service on October 24, 1864, and served primarily in the Western and later the Eastern theaters of the war. The 140th Indiana Infantry was notable for its participation in operations around Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and in the Carolinas campaign, including actions at Fort Anderson and Town Creek.

Organization & Service

The 140th Indiana Infantry (One Year’s Service) was organized at Indianapolis, Indiana, in September and October 1864. The regiment was mustered in on October 24, 1864, under Colonel Thomas J. Brady. It left Indiana for Nashville, Tennessee, on November 15, 1864, and was quickly moved to Murfreesboro, arriving on November 23. The regiment was temporarily attached to the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 20th Corps, and participated in all battles and skirmishes in the vicinity of Murfreesboro during late 1864.

After the defeat of Hood’s Confederate forces, the regiment departed Murfreesboro on December 24, 1864, and reached Columbia, Tennessee, on December 28, where it was assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 23rd Corps. The regiment moved to Clifton, Tennessee, on January 2, 1865, then sailed for Cincinnati, Ohio, and proceeded via Washington, D.C., to the vicinity of Wilmington, North Carolina, landing near Fort Fisher on February 8, 1865. The 140th Indiana advanced up the Cape Fear River, participating in the attack on Fort Anderson, where Company C captured the garrison flag. At Town Creek Bridge on February 20, the regiment took part in routing and capturing enemy forces, with two companies being the first to enter the enemy’s works.

On March 6, the regiment marched for Kinston, North Carolina, arriving on March 11, and then moved toward Goldsboro on March 19, remaining in camp there until April 2. The regiment was detached for commissary train guard duty between Goldsboro and Morehead City until April 10, when it rejoined its brigade. The 140th Indiana then moved to Raleigh, remaining there until May, and was subsequently ordered to Greensboro, North Carolina, where it performed duty until mustered out on July 11, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Battles and skirmishes near Murfreesboro, Tennessee (November–December 1864)
• Operations following Hood’s defeat (December 1864)
• Attack on Fort Anderson, North Carolina (February 1865)
• Action at Town Creek Bridge, North Carolina (February 20, 1865)
• Advance to Kinston and Goldsboro, North Carolina (March 1865)
• Guard and occupation duty at Goldsboro, Raleigh, and Greensboro, North Carolina (March–July 1865)

Casualties

The original strength of the regiment was 1,007 officers and men, with an additional 48 recruits, totaling 1,055. Losses by death numbered 102. There were 50 desertions and 7 men unaccounted for. More detailed breakdowns of casualties by cause are not specified in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Thomas J. Brady
• Lieutenant Colonel David T. Mitchell
• Major Charles P. Pendergast

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 140th Indiana Infantry (One Year’s Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details for those who served in the unit.

To view the complete roster, visit the 140th Indiana Infantry (One Year’s Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 45, 47
• 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)