Overview
The 16th Indiana Light Battery was an artillery unit organized in Indiana for Union service during the American Civil War. Mustered in at Indianapolis on March 24, 1862, the battery served primarily in the Eastern Theater, participating in several major campaigns and engagements. It was known for its service with the Army of Virginia and later in the defenses of Washington, D.C.
This unit was composed of Indiana volunteers and was active from its organization in early 1862 until its final muster out in July 1865. The battery was notable for its involvement in several significant actions, including the battles of Cedar Mountain, Groveton, South Mountain, and Antietam.
Organization & Service
The 16th Indiana Light Battery was organized at Lafayette, Indiana, during the winter of 1861 and officially mustered into service at Indianapolis on March 24, 1862. After initial organization and training, the battery departed Indiana for Washington, D.C., on June 1, 1862, and encamped at Capitol Hill.
Assigned to the 2nd Division of Banks’ Corps, Army of Virginia, the battery saw its first significant action at the battle of Cedar Mountain. During the subsequent campaign, the battery was engaged in a series of skirmishes and battles, including the actions at the Rappahannock and Sulphur Springs. At the Rappahannock, the battery suffered the loss of two guns and eleven horses but continued to engage the enemy effectively, enduring heavy artillery fire for several hours. At Sulphur Springs, the battery’s fire contributed to the abandonment of two enemy guns, which were then captured.
At the battle of Groveton, the battery was instrumental in supporting Union forces against a concentrated Confederate artillery attack, helping to prevent greater losses. Following these actions, the battery withdrew to the defenses of Washington, D.C., and subsequently participated in the Maryland Campaign, including the battles of South Mountain and Antietam.
After returning to Washington, the battery was stationed at Fort Corcoran for a period. In October 1862, Lieutenant Deming led two sections of the battery on a march toward Warrenton, Virginia, during which they were attacked by Confederate cavalry near Snicker’s Gap. Despite being outnumbered and lacking gunners, the command managed to save its guns after a running fight, though it suffered casualties.
Captain Charles Naylor resigned in May 1863, and Lieutenant Charles R. Deming was promoted to captain. The battery remained in the defenses of Washington for the remainder of the war. Captain Deming was mustered out in April 1865, succeeded by Lieutenant Benjamin W. Livermore. The battery moved to Indianapolis in June 1865 and was mustered out of service on July 5, 1865, with five officers and 180 men.
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
- Cedar Mountain
- Rappahannock Station
- Sulphur Springs
- Groveton
- Chantilly
- South Mountain
- Antietam
- Defenses of Washington, D.C.
Casualties
Specific casualty figures for the 16th Indiana Light Battery are not fully detailed in available primary sources. Notably, during the October 1862 engagement near Snicker’s Gap, the battery lost 4 men killed and 3 wounded. Additional losses occurred during other actions, but comprehensive totals are not recorded in official reports.
Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain Charles Naylor
- Captain Charles R. Deming
- Captain Benjamin W. Livermore
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 16th Indiana Light Battery, including officers and enlisted men who served during its term, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.
To view the complete roster, visit the 16th Indiana Light Battery Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and pages relating to Army of Virginia and Defenses of Washington.
- 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, Vol. 3, Federal Publishing Company, 1908.