17th Indiana Infantry Regiment in the American Civil War

Overview

The 17th Indiana Infantry (Union) was organized at Camp Morton, Indianapolis, Indiana, in May 1861 and mustered into Federal service on June 12, 1861. Serving as an infantry regiment in the Western Theater, it became notable for its conversion to mounted infantry and its early adoption of Spencer repeating rifles. The regiment participated in numerous campaigns and engagements throughout the war, including major actions in West Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and Georgia, and was mustered out on August 8, 1865, at Macon, Georgia.

The 17th Indiana Infantry is recognized for its role in Wilder’s “Lightning Brigade,” its effectiveness as mounted infantry, and its participation in significant operations such as the Tullahoma and Atlanta Campaigns, Wilson’s Raid, and the capture of Macon, Georgia.

Organization & Service

The 17th Indiana Infantry was organized at Camp Morton, Indianapolis, in May 1861 and mustered in on June 12, 1861. The regiment left Indiana for Parkersburg, West Virginia, on July 1, 1861, and reached Oakland, Maryland, on July 23. It was initially engaged in constructing fortifications at Camp Pendleton until August 7, after which it was ordered to Cheat Mountain and camped at Elk Water. The regiment saw its first engagement at Greenbrier River on October 3, 1861.

On November 30, 1861, the regiment reported to General Buell at Louisville, Kentucky, and was assigned to Nelson’s Division. It remained at Camp Wickliffe near New Haven, Kentucky, from December 10, 1861, until February 10, 1862, then moved to Nashville, Tennessee. Colonel Milo S. Hascall was promoted to brigadier-general on March 25, 1862, and succeeded by Lieutenant Colonel John T. Wilder. The regiment left Nashville on March 29, 1862, reaching Shiloh on April 8, and participated in the siege of Corinth. It then moved with Buell’s army through Alabama to McMinnville, Tennessee, where it was engaged in the attack and rout of Forrest’s forces.

After marching to Louisville and skirmishing with Bragg’s rear-guard at Munfordville, the regiment camped at Bardstown until October 18, 1862, then marched to Nashville. It was engaged in various expeditions until February 1, 1863, and then moved to Murfreesboro, where it was mounted and equipped with Spencer rifles in May 1863. The regiment distinguished itself at Hoover’s Gap, repulsing several charges and capturing prisoners and arms. It continued operations in Tennessee and northern Georgia, including actions near Chattanooga, Ringgold, and the battle of Chickamauga.

Throughout late 1863, the regiment participated in actions at Thompson’s Cove, McMinnville, Shelbyville, and Farmington, capturing artillery, prisoners, and supplies. It moved to Huntsville, Alabama, for winter quarters at Mayville in November 1863. Detachments participated in operations near Chattanooga, Ringgold, Cleveland, and Knoxville. In early 1864, 286 men reenlisted and were furloughed home, returning in April.

During the Atlanta Campaign, from May to October 1864, the regiment was engaged in numerous cavalry and scouting operations, including actions at Pumpkin Vine Creek, Big Shanty, Kennesaw Mountain, Marietta, Chattahoochee River, Stone Mountain, New Hope Church, Rome, and Coosaville. After leaving Rome in November 1864, the regiment was remounted and joined operations at Gravelly Springs, Alabama. In March 1865, it participated in Wilson’s Raid, including the actions at Ebenezer Church and Selma, Alabama, capturing prisoners, artillery, and fortifications. The regiment advanced to Macon, Georgia, where it was present at the city’s surrender and remained on post duty until mustering out on August 8, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Greenbrier River (October 3, 1861)
• Siege of Corinth (April–May 1862)
• Operations in Alabama and Tennessee (1862)
• Skirmishes at Munfordville and Bardstown (1862)
• Expeditions and scouting in Tennessee (1862–1863)
• Hoover’s Gap (June 1863)
• Manchester and Chattanooga operations (1863)
• Ringgold and Chickamauga (September 1863)
• Thompson’s Cove, McMinnville, Shelbyville, Farmington (October 1863)
• Atlanta Campaign (May–October 1864): Pumpkin Vine Creek, Big Shanty, Kennesaw Mountain, Marietta, Chattahoochee River, Stone Mountain, New Hope Church, Rome, Coosaville
• Wilson’s Raid (March–April 1865): Ebenezer Church, Selma, Macon

Casualties

The 17th Indiana Infantry had an original strength of 1,063. Gains by recruits totaled 960, with 288 reenlistments, for a total enrollment of 2,311. The regiment lost 232 men by death, 161 by desertion, and 82 were unaccounted for. Specific breakdowns of killed, wounded, and died of disease are not fully detailed in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Milo S. Hascall
• Colonel John T. Wilder
• Colonel Jacob G. Vail
• Lieutenant Colonel John T. Wilder
• Lieutenant Colonel George W. Gorman
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry C. Jordan
• Lieutenant Colonel Jacob G. Vail
• Lieutenant Colonel Frank White
• Major George W. Gorman
• Major Henry C. Jordan
• Major James Thompson
• Major William T. Jones
• Major Jacob G. Vail
• Major James U. Anderson
• Major John J. Weiler
• Major Henry Henley

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 17th Indiana Infantry, including officers and enlisted men who served during its term of service, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details when available.

To view the complete roster, visit the 17th Indiana Infantry Regiment Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts
• 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