21st Indiana Infantry Regiment / 1st Indiana Heavy Artillery in the American Civil War

Overview

The 1st Indiana Heavy Artillery, originally organized as the 21st Indiana Infantry Regiment, served in the Union Army during the Civil War. Raised in Indiana and mustered in at Indianapolis on July 24, 1861, the regiment initially served as infantry before being converted to heavy artillery in February 1863. The unit was active in the Western Theater, particularly in operations along the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River, and was notable for its participation in several key campaigns and sieges.

This regiment is distinct from other Indiana artillery and infantry units. It served under both infantry and artillery designations, with its history reflecting both roles during the war.

Organization & Service

The regiment was organized at Indianapolis and mustered into service on July 24, 1861. Shortly after, it departed for Baltimore, Maryland, where it remained until February 19, 1862, participating in General Lockwood’s expedition to Virginia’s eastern shore. The regiment then moved to Newport News, Virginia, and subsequently joined General Butler’s expedition to the Gulf, being present off the mouth of the Mississippi River during the bombardment of Forts St. Philip and Jackson. A portion of the regiment landed in the rear of Fort St. Philip, while the remainder proceeded up the Mississippi to New Orleans, becoming the first Union troops to land there.

After encamping at Algiers, the regiment captured several steamers on the Red River. It was landed at Baton Rouge on June 1, 1862, and fought in the Battle of Baton Rouge on August 5, suffering significant casualties. In September, the regiment engaged at Des Allemands, and from October 1862 to February 1863, it was stationed at Berwick Bay. During this period, some companies served on gunboats, frequently engaging the Confederate ironclad Cotton and participating in actions at Comet’s Bridge and the destruction of the Cotton.

On February 1863, the regiment was officially converted to heavy artillery and redesignated as the 1st Indiana Heavy Artillery, with two additional companies organized and attached later that year. The regiment took part in operations up Bayou Teche and the second battle at Fort Bisland. Most of the regiment moved to Port Hudson, participating in the 42-day siege. Companies were also engaged at La Fourche Crossing and Brashear City, with Company F captured at the latter. In August 1863, three companies joined the Sabine Pass expedition and were engaged in the action there.

During the winter of 1863-64, the majority of the regiment reenlisted and received furloughs. Companies G and H were active in the Red River Expedition of 1864 and were later stationed at various points in the Department of the Gulf. In April 1865, six batteries of the regiment participated in the investment of Mobile and the reduction of Forts Morgan, Gaines, and Spanish Fort. Following the end of hostilities, the regiment was assigned to garrison duty at Forts Morgan, Pickens, Barrancas, Baton Rouge, and other river defense points until mustered out on January 13, 1866.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Lockwood’s Expedition to Eastern Shore, Virginia (1861–1862)
• Bombardment of Forts St. Philip and Jackson (April 1862)
• Occupation of New Orleans (May 1862)
• Battle of Baton Rouge (August 5, 1862)
• Action at Des Allemands (September 1862)
• Berwick Bay operations (October 1862 – February 1863)
• Engagements with the ironclad Cotton and at Comet’s Bridge
• Bayou Teche operations and Second Battle of Fort Bisland (April 1863)
• Siege of Port Hudson (May–July 1863)
• Action at La Fourche Crossing (June 1863)
• Action at Brashear City (June 1863)
• Sabine Pass Expedition (August 1863)
• Red River Expedition (1864)
• Investment of Mobile and reduction of Forts Morgan, Gaines, and Spanish Fort (April 1865)

Casualties

The original strength of the regiment was 1,363. Gains by recruits totaled 1,332, reenlistments 448, and unassigned recruits 696, for a total of 3,839 men. The regiment lost 392 by death, 228 by desertion, and 200 unaccounted for. Detailed breakdowns of killed, wounded, and died of disease are not fully specified in available sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel James W. McMillan
• Colonel John A. Keith
• Colonel Benjamin F. Hayes
• Lieutenant Colonel John A. Keith
• Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin F. Hayes
• Lieutenant Colonel William Roy
• Lieutenant Colonel James W. Connelly
• Major Benjamin F. Hayes
• Major William Roy
• Major James Grimsley
• Major Edward McLaflin
• Major John W. Day
• Major James W. Connelly
• Major Isaac C. Hendricks
• Major Samuel E. Armstrong

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 1st Indiana Heavy Artillery, including officers and enlisted men, is available for researchers and genealogists. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details for all who served in the regiment during its term of service.

To view the full regimental roster, visit the 1st Indiana Heavy Artillery Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes VI, XV, XXVI, XXXIV, XXXIX
• 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, Vol. 3