30th Illinois Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 30th Illinois Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Camp Butler, Illinois, on August 28, 1861, for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment served primarily in the Western Theater, participating in major campaigns and engagements from Missouri and Kentucky to Georgia and the Carolinas. It was known for its active service in several significant battles and campaigns, including Belmont, Fort Donelson, Vicksburg, and the Atlanta Campaign.

The 30th Illinois Infantry was mustered in for three years’ service and later reorganized as a veteran regiment. It was attached to various brigades and divisions throughout its service and was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, on July 17, 1865.

Organization & Service

The 30th Illinois Infantry was organized at Camp Butler, Illinois, and mustered into service on August 28, 1861. Shortly after, on September 1, the regiment moved to Cairo, Illinois, where it was assigned to Brigadier General John A. McClernand’s brigade. The regiment participated in a scout into Kentucky near Columbus on October 22, 1861, and fought in the battle of Belmont on November 7, capturing “Watson’s New Orleans battery.”

In January 1862, the regiment conducted a reconnaissance into Kentucky and returned to Cairo. In February, it moved up the Tennessee River, participating in the attack on and capture of Fort Henry, followed by the siege and capture of Fort Donelson. The 30th Illinois was engaged in the siege of Corinth, Mississippi, and in September 1862, marched toward Medon Station, where it fought and drove off a large Confederate cavalry force.

During the Vicksburg Campaign in 1863, the regiment moved to Hankinson’s Ferry on the Black River, skirmished en route, and fought at Raymond and Champion’s Hill, suffering significant losses at the latter. The regiment participated in the siege of Vicksburg until June 23, then moved to the Black River to monitor Confederate General Johnston. It joined General Sherman’s forces in the investment of Jackson, Mississippi, before returning to Vicksburg in July. In October, the regiment was engaged at Bogue Chitto Creek.

On January 1, 1864, the 30th Illinois Infantry was mustered in as a veteran organization. It participated in an expedition up the Mississippi River against guerrillas and, in February, joined the Meridian Campaign, engaging in several skirmishes. After a veteran furlough in March, the regiment rejoined Sherman’s army at Acworth, Georgia, and participated in the Atlanta Campaign, including the battles near Atlanta on July 21 and 22, and at Jonesboro. The regiment then marched to the sea with Sherman, taking part in the capture of Savannah.

In 1865, the 30th Illinois Infantry joined the Carolinas Campaign, participating in the capture of Pocotaligo, Orangeburg, Columbia, Cheraw, and Fayetteville, North Carolina, and was involved in destroying railroad infrastructure. The regiment marched north via Richmond to Alexandria, Virginia, participated in the Grand Review in Washington, D.C., and was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, on July 17, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Battle of Belmont (November 7, 1861)
• Reconnaissance into Kentucky (January 1862)
• Attack on Fort Henry (February 1862)
• Siege and capture of Fort Donelson (February 1862)
• Siege of Corinth (April–May 1862)
• Action near Medon Station (September 1862)
• Vicksburg Campaign (May–July 1863): Hankinson’s Ferry, Battle of Raymond, Battle of Champion’s Hill, Siege of Vicksburg
• Investment of Jackson, Mississippi (July 1863)
• Engagement at Bogue Chitto Creek (October 1863)
• Expedition up the Mississippi River (January 1864)
• Meridian Campaign (February 1864)
• Atlanta Campaign (June–September 1864): Big Shanty, Battles near Atlanta (July 21–22), Battle of Jonesboro
• March to the Sea (November–December 1864), including capture of Savannah
• Carolinas Campaign (January–April 1865): Pocotaligo, Orangeburg, Columbia, Cheraw, Fayetteville
• Grand Review, Washington, D.C. (May 1865)

Casualties

According to official reports, the 30th Illinois Infantry suffered significant losses during its service. Fox’s Regimental Losses states:

• Killed or mortally wounded: 7 officers, 98 enlisted men
• Died of disease: 2 officers, 180 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 287

Figures are based on available primary sources and may vary slightly in different reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Philip B. Fouke
• Colonel Elias S. Dennis
• Colonel Warren Shedd
• Lieutenant Colonel Elias S. Dennis
• Lieutenant Colonel George A. Bacon
• Lieutenant Colonel Warren Shedd
• Lieutenant Colonel William C. Rhodes
• Major Thomas McClurken
• Major George A. Bacon
• Major Warren Shedd
• Major William C. Rhodes
• Major Robert Allen
• Major John P. Davis

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 30th Illinois Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, 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 full roster, visit the 30th Illinois Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 3, 7, 10, 17, 24, 32, 39, 47
• 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