16th Illinois Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 16th Illinois Infantry was an infantry regiment from Illinois that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Quincy, Illinois, the regiment was mustered into U.S. service on May 24, 1861, under the “Ten-Regiment Act.” The unit served primarily in the Western Theater, participating in major campaigns from Missouri to Georgia and the Carolinas, and was notable for its long and active service, including reenlistment as a veteran regiment in late 1863.

The 16th Illinois Infantry was attached to various brigades and divisions throughout its service, operating under the commands of the Army of the Tennessee and the Army of the Cumberland. The regiment was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, on July 8, 1865, after more than four years of continuous service.

Organization & Service

The 16th Illinois Infantry was organized at Quincy, Illinois, and mustered into Federal service on May 24, 1861. Shortly after organization, the regiment moved to Grand River, Missouri, for railroad guard duty, with companies posted along the line. On July 10, 1861, the regiment was attacked at Monroe Station by a superior Confederate force but held its ground until reinforced. The regiment saw further action at Caldwell Station, losing 2 men killed and 2 wounded.

In August 1861, the regiment moved under General Hurlbut to Kirksville, Missouri, and participated in operations against Confederate forces under General Green. It was later ordered to St. Joseph, Missouri, and engaged in a skirmish at Platte City with the 3rd Iowa Infantry. In early 1862, the 16th Illinois supported siege operations at New Madrid, Missouri, and participated in the pursuit and capture of Confederate forces at Tiptonville, Tennessee, securing prisoners and materiel. The regiment also took part in the siege of Corinth, Mississippi.

In September 1862, the regiment marched to Nashville, Tennessee, encountering frequent guerrilla attacks. It garrisoned Edgefield, Tennessee, and repelled an attack by Confederate General Morgan in November. From December 1863 to January 1864, the regiment reenlisted as veterans and received a furlough. Returning to the field, the 16th Illinois joined General Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign, fighting at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Rome, Lost Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, the Chattahoochee River, Peachtree Creek, and Jonesboro.

After the fall of Atlanta, the regiment participated in Sherman’s March to the Sea, entering Savannah as the representative regiment of the 14th Army Corps. In early 1865, it marched north through the Carolinas, fighting at Averasboro and Bentonville. The regiment then marched to Richmond and Washington, D.C., taking part in the Grand Review, and was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, on July 8, 1865. Final discharge occurred at Springfield, Illinois.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Railroad guard duty and skirmishes in Missouri (1861)
• Battle of Monroe Station (July 10, 1861)
• Skirmish at Caldwell Station (July 16, 1861)
• Operations at Kirksville, Hannywell, and Platte City (August–September 1861)
• Siege of New Madrid and capture of Tiptonville (March–April 1862)
• Siege of Corinth (April–May 1862)
• March to Nashville and Edgefield garrison duty (September–November 1862)
• Repulse of Morgan’s attack at Edgefield (November 5, 1862)
• Atlanta Campaign: Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Rome, Lost Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, Chattahoochee River, Peachtree Creek, Jonesboro (May–September 1864)
• March to the Sea and occupation of Savannah (November–December 1864)
• Carolinas Campaign: Averasboro, Bentonville (February–March 1865)
• Grand Review, Washington, D.C. (May 1865)

Casualties

According to available sources, the 16th Illinois Infantry sustained the following losses during its service:

• Killed or mortally wounded: figures for specific battles include 18 at Buzzard Roost, 10–15 at Kennesaw Mountain, over 20 at the Chattahoochee River, and 15–20 at Averasboro; at Bentonville, about one-third of the regiment fell in a single engagement, with Company A losing 10 men (7 dying on the field or soon after).
• Died of disease: not specifically enumerated in available sources.
• Total losses: precise aggregate figures are not provided in the primary sources.

Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Robert F. Smith
• Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Wilson
• Lieutenant Colonel James B. Cahill
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles D. Kerr
• Major Samuel M. Hays
• Major Charles Petrie

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 16th Illinois Infantry, including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details for all members of the regiment throughout its term of service.

To view the full roster, visit the 16th Illinois Infantry Regimental Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts covering Western Theater operations.
• Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Illinois.
• Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion.
• Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War.
• Contemporary regimental and state histories as cited in Illinois Adjutant General reports.