16th Indiana Infantry Regiment in the American Civil War

Overview

The 16th Indiana Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment from Indiana that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Richmond, Indiana, the regiment was mustered in for three years’ service during the summer of 1862, following the expiration of its earlier one-year term. The unit served primarily in the Western Theater and was involved in several major campaigns and battles, including Richmond (KY), Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, and the Red River Campaign.

This unit is distinct from the 16th Indiana Infantry (One Year’s Service).

Organization & Service

The 16th Indiana Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was reorganized during the summer of 1862 at Richmond, Indiana, after the original one-year regiment was mustered out in May 1862. The reorganized regiment left Indiana for Kentucky to help repel the Confederate invasion led by Kirby Smith. It was engaged at the Battle of Richmond, Kentucky, in August 1862, suffering heavy losses, including approximately 200 killed and wounded and 600 captured. Lieutenant Colonel Joel Wolfe was killed during an attempt to break through enemy lines. The captured men were paroled and sent to Indianapolis, later being exchanged on November 1, 1862.

After exchange, the regiment moved to Memphis, Tennessee, and then participated in operations against Vicksburg, Mississippi. In December 1862, the regiment marched with its brigade, covering 65 miles, swimming two bayous, destroying railroad infrastructure, and burning cotton. It took part in the assault at Chickasaw Bayou, where its brigade suffered significant casualties. The regiment then moved to Arkansas Post and was among the first to plant its colors within the captured fort. Following this, the 16th Indiana moved to Young’s Point and then to Grand Gulf in April 1863, joining the Union forces at Port Gibson and participating in subsequent actions at Edward’s Station and Black River Bridge.

The regiment was heavily engaged in the Siege of Vicksburg, notably holding a key position during the assault of May 22, 1863. After the fall of Vicksburg, it participated in the advance on Jackson, Mississippi, and was subsequently sent to New Orleans. There, the regiment was mounted and attached to the cavalry corps of the Department of the Gulf, performing escort and security duties along the Mississippi River. In October 1863, the 16th Indiana joined the Bayou Teche expedition and was involved in continuous skirmishing until early January 1864. The regiment later took part in the Red River Campaign, participating in sixteen engagements, before being assigned to frontier outpost duty. The 16th Indiana Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was mustered out at New Orleans on June 30, 1865. Remaining recruits whose terms had not expired were transferred to the 13th Indiana Cavalry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Battle of Richmond, Kentucky (August 1862)
• Chickasaw Bayou (December 1862)
• Arkansas Post (January 1863)
• Port Gibson (May 1863)
• Edward’s Station (May 1863)
• Black River Bridge (May 1863)
• Siege of Vicksburg (May–July 1863)
• Jackson, Mississippi (July 1863)
• Bayou Teche Expedition (October 1863–January 1864)
• Red River Campaign (March–May 1864)

Casualties

The original strength of the three-year regiment was 963. It gained 282 recruits and 241 unassigned recruits, totaling 1,486 men. The regiment lost 271 by death, 36 by desertion, and 204 unaccounted for. Specific breakdowns of killed, wounded, and died of disease are not fully detailed in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Pleasant A. Hackleman
• Colonel Thomas J. Lucas
• Colonel Robert Conover
• Lieutenant Colonel Joel Wolfe (killed at Richmond, KY)
• Lieutenant Colonel John M. Orr
• Lieutenant Colonel James H. Redfield
• Lieutenant Colonel James M. Hildreth
• Lieutenant Colonel James R. S. Cox

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 16th Indiana Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the full roster, visit the 16th Indiana Infantry (Three Years’ Service) 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
• Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 3