55th Illinois Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 55th Illinois Infantry (Union) was organized at Camp Douglas in Chicago and mustered into Federal service on October 31, 1861. Composed primarily of young men from Fulton, McDonough, LaSalle, Grundy, DeKalb, Kane, and Winnebago counties, the regiment was largely made up of farm-raised recruits. The 55th Illinois was one of two regiments raised by David Stuart under a special act of Congress and was sometimes referred to as part of the “Douglas Brigade,” though the two regiments did not serve together. The unit served in the Western Theater throughout the Civil War, participating in many major campaigns and battles.

Organization & Service

The 55th Illinois Infantry was mustered in at Camp Douglas, Chicago, on October 31, 1861. Shortly after, the regiment departed for Alton, Illinois, and then traveled by steamboat to St. Louis, arriving at Benton Barracks on November 11, 1861. The regiment’s first major engagement was at the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862, where it sustained heavy casualties and played a significant role in holding a critical position on the first day. Following Shiloh, the regiment participated in the advance on Corinth, Mississippi, and was engaged in operations there in May 1862.

In December 1862, the 55th Illinois moved down the Mississippi River and fought at Chickasaw Bluffs, suffering additional losses. The regiment was also present at the battle of Arkansas Post in January 1863. During the Vicksburg Campaign, the regiment was under fire at Champion’s Hill and took part in the assaults and siege operations at Vicksburg, incurring further casualties. After the fall of Vicksburg, the regiment joined Sherman’s expedition to Jackson, Mississippi, and later marched to East Tennessee, participating in the crossing of the Tennessee River and the battle of Missionary Ridge.

During the winter of 1863–1864, the regiment encamped at Bridgeport, Bellefonte, and Larkinsville. While at Larkinsville, the regiment veteranized, and the existing field officers left the service after failing to be re-elected. The veterans received a 30-day furlough before returning to participate in the Atlanta Campaign as part of the 2nd Division, 15th Army Corps. The 55th Illinois was engaged in the battles of Kennesaw Mountain and Jonesboro, suffering significant losses. The regiment then marched with Sherman to the sea and north through the Carolinas, fighting at Bentonville. After the surrender of Johnston, the regiment marched to Washington, D.C., participated in the Grand Review, and was subsequently ordered to Louisville, Kentucky, and then to Little Rock, Arkansas, where it was mustered out on August 14, 1865. Throughout its service, the regiment received fewer than 50 recruits, so nearly all casualties were among its original members.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Battle of Shiloh (April 1862)
• Advance on Corinth (May 1862)
• Battle of Chickasaw Bluffs (December 1862)
• Battle of Arkansas Post (January 1863)
• Vicksburg Campaign, including Champion’s Hill and the Siege of Vicksburg (May–July 1863)
• Expedition to Jackson, Mississippi (July 1863)
• East Tennessee operations, including crossing the Tennessee River and Battle of Missionary Ridge (November 1863)
• Atlanta Campaign, including Kennesaw Mountain and Jonesboro (May–September 1864)
• March to the Sea (November–December 1864)
• Carolinas Campaign, including Battle of Bentonville (March 1865)

Casualties

• Killed in battle: 108
• Wounded: 339
• Total struck by missiles of war: 417
• Known to have died of wounds within one year after Shiloh: 35
• Received fewer than 50 recruits during service; nearly all casualties were among original members

Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources regarding the exact number of mortally wounded.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel David Stuart
• Colonel Oscar Malmborg
• Lieutenant Colonel Oscar Malmborg
• Lieutenant Colonel Theodore C. Chandler
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles A. Andress
• Major William D. Sanger
• Major Theodore C. Chandler
• Major James J. Hefferman
• Major Giles F. Hand

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 55th Illinois Infantry, including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details for members of the regiment throughout its term of service.

To view the complete roster, visit the 55th Illinois Infantry Regimental Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 10, 17, 24, 32, 38
• Illinois 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
• Contemporary regimental and state histories