32nd Indiana Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 32nd Indiana Infantry was an infantry regiment from Indiana that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Indianapolis in August 1861, the regiment was notable for its large number of German-American volunteers and its distinguished first commander, Colonel August Willich, a former officer in the German army. The regiment served primarily in the Western Theater, participating in major campaigns and battles throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and later Texas.

The 32nd Indiana Infantry was mustered into service on August 24, 1861, and remained active until December 4, 1865. Its service included significant engagements at Shiloh, Stones River, Chickamauga, and during the Atlanta Campaign. The regiment was recognized for its discipline and gallantry, particularly in early actions such as the defense at Rowlett’s Station.

Organization & Service

The 32nd Indiana Infantry was organized at Indianapolis and mustered in on August 24, 1861. Shortly after, the regiment departed Indiana in late September, moving first to Louisville, Kentucky, then to New Haven, and subsequently to Camp Nevin. It was attached to R. W. Johnson’s brigade, McCook’s division, and moved to Munfordville in December 1861, where it performed picket duty along the Green River.

On December 17, 1861, four companies of the regiment were attacked near Rowlett’s Station by Confederate forces under General Hindman. The regiment successfully repelled the attack, forming a hollow square to withstand repeated cavalry and infantry charges. For its conduct, the 32nd Indiana received special commendation in orders. The regiment was then stationed at Bowling Green and Nashville in early 1862.

The 32nd Indiana participated in the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862, suffering significant casualties. It was engaged in the siege of Corinth and later moved to Stevenson, Alabama, and Nashville, Tennessee. After Colonel Willich was promoted to brigadier-general in July 1862, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Von Trebra assumed command. The regiment marched with General Buell’s army to Louisville and joined the pursuit of Confederate forces through Kentucky.

In December 1862 and January 1863, the regiment fought at the Battle of Stones River, with further losses. It remained at Murfreesboro until June 1863, then advanced toward Chattanooga, engaging at Liberty Gap and later at Chickamauga, where it again suffered heavy casualties. The 32nd Indiana also fought at Missionary Ridge and participated in the relief of Knoxville, remaining in East Tennessee until spring 1864.

During the Atlanta Campaign, the regiment was engaged at Resaca, Allatoona Hills, Dallas, Powder Springs, Peachtree Creek, and other actions. After the fall of Atlanta, non-veterans were mustered out at Indianapolis on September 7, 1864. The remaining recruits and reenlisted men were formed into a battalion of four companies under Lieutenant Colonel Hans Blume. This battalion served with the 4th Corps in Tennessee, was stationed at Chattanooga, and later sent to Texas, where it was mustered out on December 4, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Rowlett’s Station (December 1861)
• Bowling Green and Nashville (Winter 1861–62)
• Battle of Shiloh (April 1862)
• Siege of Corinth (April–May 1862)
• Stevenson, Alabama, and Nashville (Summer 1862)
• Pursuit of Bragg through Kentucky (Fall 1862)
• Battle of Stones River (December 1862–January 1863)
• Liberty Gap (June 1863)
• Battle of Chickamauga (September 1863)
• Missionary Ridge (November 1863)
• Relief of Knoxville (November–December 1863)
• Atlanta Campaign (May–September 1864): Resaca, Allatoona Hills, Dallas, Powder Springs, Peachtree Creek
• Post-Atlanta operations in Tennessee and Texas (1864–65)

Casualties

• Rowlett’s Station: 10 killed, 22 wounded, 8 missing
• Shiloh: 6 killed, 93 wounded, 4 missing
• Stones River: 12 killed, 40 wounded, 115 missing
• Chickamauga: 21 killed, 78 wounded, 17 missing
• Total losses (entire service): 222 deaths; 171 deserted; 50 unaccounted for
• Battalion (post-September 1864): 32 deaths; 1 deserted; 11 unaccounted for

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel August Willich
• Colonel Henry Von Trebra
• Colonel Francis Erdelmeyer
• Lieutenant Colonel William Schnackenburg
• Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Glass
• Lieutenant Colonel William G. Mank
• Lieutenant Colonel Hans Blume
• Major Charles Schmitt
• Major Peter Cappell

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 32nd Indiana Infantry, including officers and enlisted men who served throughout its term, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides details on company assignments, enlistment dates, and service records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 32nd Indiana Infantry Regimental Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 7, 10, 16, 23, 30, 38
• 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