Overview
The 21st Indiana Light Battery was an artillery unit organized in Indiana for Union service during the American Civil War. Mustered in at Indianapolis on September 9, 1862, the battery served in the Western Theater, participating in major campaigns and engagements across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia. The unit was notable for its rapid deployment to threatened areas and its involvement in several key actions, including the battles of Chickamauga and Nashville.
The battery was commanded initially by Captain William W. Andrew and later by Captain Abram P. Andrew. It remained active until the end of the war, mustering out at Indianapolis on June 21, 1865.
Organization & Service
The 21st Indiana Light Battery was organized in the summer of 1862 and mustered into Federal service at Indianapolis on September 9, 1862. Shortly after mustering, the battery was sent to Covington, Kentucky, in response to the Confederate threat posed by General Kirby Smith’s forces. The unit then moved through Lexington, Richmond, Danville, and Louisville, Kentucky, remaining in Louisville until February 2, 1863.
In early 1863, the battery relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, and from there to Carthage. It participated in an expedition to Rome, Georgia, engaging in skirmishes on March 19 and 26 before returning to Carthage. The battery was also involved in skirmishes at Gainesboro and Carthage. On June 3, 1863, it proceeded to Murfreesboro and joined Reynolds’ division of Rosecrans’ army. The battery took part in the action at Hoover’s Gap and the campaign against Chattanooga, including an engagement at Catlett’s Gap and the battle of Chickamauga. Following Chickamauga, the unit retreated with the army to Chattanooga and participated in the storming of Missionary Ridge.
On December 5, 1863, the battery was ordered to Nashville, where it remained until the spring of 1864. It then moved to Columbia, Tennessee, on March 26, 1864, and was stationed there until the fall. Captain William W. Andrew was discharged for disability from wounds on September 17, 1864, and was succeeded by Lieutenant Abram P. Andrew. In October 1864, the battery engaged Confederate cavalry under Forrest and, during General Hood’s advance, fell back to Nashville, where it fought in the December battle. Afterward, the battery was assigned to the reserve artillery and remained in Nashville until mustered out of service. The unit returned to Indianapolis and was mustered out on June 21, 1865, with 5 officers and 142 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
- Defense of Covington, Kentucky (September 1862)
- Movements through Lexington, Richmond, Danville, and Louisville, Kentucky (1862–1863)
- Expedition to Rome, Georgia; skirmishes (March 19 and 26, 1863)
- Skirmishes at Gainesboro and Carthage, Tennessee (1863)
- Action at Hoover’s Gap (June 1863)
- Campaign against Chattanooga (Summer–Fall 1863)
- Engagement at Catlett’s Gap (1863)
- Battle of Chickamauga (September 19–20, 1863)
- Storming of Missionary Ridge (November 25, 1863)
- Battle of Nashville (December 15–16, 1864)
- Operations against Forrest’s cavalry (October 1864)
Casualties
- Entered service with: 5 officers and 141 men
- Recruits received: 69
- Loss by death from all causes: 26
- Discharged: 29
- Deserted: 7
Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain William W. Andrew
- Captain Abram P. Andrew
Regimental Roster
The complete roster of the 21st Indiana Light Battery, including officers and enlisted men who served during its term, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and service details valuable for genealogical and historical research.
To view the full roster, visit the 21st Indiana Light Battery Regimental Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes
- 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)