33rd Indiana Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 33rd Indiana Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment from Indiana that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Indianapolis, Indiana, the regiment was mustered into service on September 16, 1861. The unit participated in numerous campaigns across the Western and Southern theaters, including significant actions in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas. The 33rd Indiana became noted for its involvement in the Atlanta Campaign and the Carolinas Campaign, as well as for sustaining heavy losses at Thompson’s Station and during the Atlanta operations.

Organization & Service

The 33rd Indiana Infantry was organized at Indianapolis and mustered in on September 16, 1861. Shortly after, on September 28, the regiment departed Indiana and reported to General George H. Thomas at Camp Dick Robinson, Kentucky. On October 13, the regiment moved to Crab Orchard and then to Camp Wild Cat, where it engaged and defeated Confederate forces under Zollicoffer.

Following this, the regiment returned to Crab Orchard and remained there until April 11, 1862. It then joined General George W. Morgan’s forces and participated in the operations leading to the capture of Cumberland Gap in June 1862. The 33rd Indiana was involved in various marches and skirmishes in eastern Tennessee until the evacuation of the Gap in September. The regiment then moved through Kentucky, reaching Danville, where it camped until late January 1863. Subsequently, it marched to Louisville, Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin.

In March 1863, the regiment fought Confederate forces under Van Dorn near Columbia and was heavily engaged at Thompson’s Station, where about 400 men were captured and nearly 100 were killed or wounded. The captured men were paroled and exchanged about two months later, rejoining the regiment. During this period, the remaining companies served at Franklin, participating in several engagements in the area.

In July 1863, the regiment advanced toward Tullahoma and participated in the advance on Shelbyville. It was stationed at Manchester, Estill Springs, Cowan, Decherd, and Tracy City during September and October, and moved to Christiana in November. The regiment reenlisted as a veteran organization in January and February 1864 and returned to Indiana on furlough before rejoining Sherman’s army in the spring.

The 33rd Indiana took part in the Atlanta Campaign, engaging at Resaca, Cassville, New Hope Church, Golgotha, Kolb’s Farm, Kennesaw Mountain, Marietta, and Peachtree Creek, and remained before Atlanta until its surrender. The regiment was engaged at Turner’s Ferry in August and played a role in the occupation of Atlanta on September 2, 1864, when the city was surrendered to Colonel Coburn. The regiment suffered over 300 casualties during the Atlanta Campaign.

After remaining in camp until November 15, 1864, the regiment marched with Sherman’s army to Savannah, where it camped until January 2, 1865. It then participated in the Carolinas Campaign, fighting at Averasboro and Bentonville. The regiment was stationed at Goldsboro from March 23 to April 10, and at Raleigh until May 1. It then moved to Washington, D.C., via Richmond, and proceeded to Louisville in June. While at Washington, portions of the 27th, 70th, and 85th Indiana regiments were consolidated with the 33rd. The regiment was mustered out at Louisville on July 21, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Wild Cat, Kentucky (October 1861)
• Capture of Cumberland Gap (June 1862)
• Eastern Tennessee operations (1862)
• Thompson’s Station, Tennessee (March 1863)
• Advance on Tullahoma and Shelbyville (July 1863)
• Atlanta Campaign: Resaca, Cassville, New Hope Church, Golgotha, Kolb’s Farm, Kennesaw Mountain, Marietta, Peachtree Creek, Siege of Atlanta (May–September 1864)
• Turner’s Ferry (August 1864)
• Occupation of Atlanta (September 1864)
• March to the Sea (November–December 1864)
• Carolinas Campaign: Averasboro, Bentonville (March 1865)

Casualties

The original strength of the regiment was 948. The total gain by recruits was 1,378, with 449 reenlistments, making a total of 2,775 men who served at various times. The regiment lost 267 men by death, 113 by desertion, and 117 were unaccounted for. During the Atlanta Campaign alone, the regiment suffered over 300 killed and wounded. If more detailed breakdowns are needed, consult official state and federal records.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel John Coburn
• Colonel James E. Burton
• Lieutenant Colonel James M. Henderson
• Lieutenant Colonel James E. Burton
• Lieutenant Colonel John P. Niederauer
• Major William J. Manker
• Major Levin T. Miller
• Major John P. Niederauer
• Major John C. Maze

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 33rd Indiana Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details for those who served in the regiment throughout its term.

To view the full roster, visit the 33rd Indiana Infantry (Three Years’ Service) 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, Vol. 3.