89th Indiana Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 89th Indiana Infantry (Union) was an infantry regiment organized in Indiana during the American Civil War. Mustered into Federal service on August 28, 1862, at Wabash and Indianapolis, the regiment served in the Western Theater, participating in numerous campaigns and engagements across Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Missouri, and Alabama. The regiment is noted for its early capture at Mumfordville, subsequent exchange, and active service in major operations including the Red River Campaign and the battles of Pleasant Hill, Tupelo, and Nashville.

Organization & Service

The 89th Indiana Infantry was organized at Wabash and Indianapolis and mustered in on August 28, 1862. Shortly after organization, the regiment moved to Louisville, Kentucky, and proceeded to Mumfordville to reinforce the garrison. In September 1862, the regiment was compelled to surrender to Confederate forces under General Bragg. The men were paroled, returned to Indiana, and were exchanged in November 1862.

After exchange, the regiment joined Burbridge’s brigade and performed guard duty at Fort Pickering until October 18, 1863, when it was ordered to Memphis for picket duty. The regiment saw action at Hernando, Mississippi, in August, and a detachment engaged in a skirmish with Forrest’s command at Lafayette in December. On January 26, 1864, the regiment left for Vicksburg with the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 16th Army Corps, participating in expeditions to Meridian and Marion, and skirmishing at Quan’s Hill and near Meridian.

In March 1864, the regiment joined General Smith’s expedition up the Red River, participating in the assault and capture of Fort De Russy, the action at Henderson’s Hill, and the battle of Pleasant Hill, where it suffered significant casualties. The regiment covered the retreat of the Army of the Gulf to Alexandria, engaged at Bayou Lamourie, and fought near Marksville. After reaching Vicksburg on May 24 and Memphis on June 9, the regiment escorted a train from Collierville to Moscow and moved to La Grange, Tennessee, remaining there until July 5. It then marched to Pontotoc, Mississippi, and participated in the battle of Tupelo.

Subsequent movements included operations in Tennessee and Missouri, pursuit of Confederate General Price, and participation in the battle of Nashville in December 1864. The regiment joined the pursuit of Hood, moved to Eastport, Mississippi, and then to Vicksburg and New Orleans in early 1865. In March, it moved to Dauphin Island, Alabama, and participated in the siege of Mobile. The regiment was on duty at Montgomery and Mobile until mustering out on July 19, 1865. Recruits were transferred to the 52nd Indiana Infantry. The original strength was 994, with a total enrollment of 1,118 men.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Surrender at Mumfordville, Kentucky (September 1862)
• Action at Hernando, Mississippi (August 1863)
• Skirmish at Lafayette, Mississippi (December 1863)
• Expeditions to Meridian and Marion, Mississippi (Early 1864)
• Skirmishes at Quan’s Hill and near Meridian
• Red River Campaign (March–May 1864)
• Assault and capture of Fort De Russy
• Action at Henderson’s Hill
• Battle of Pleasant Hill
• Engagement at Bayou Lamourie
• Action near Marksville, Louisiana
• Battle of Tupelo, Mississippi (July 1864)
• Expedition to De Soto, Missouri
• Pursuit of Price in Missouri and Kansas (October 1864)
• Battle of Nashville, Tennessee (December 1864)
• Siege of Mobile, Alabama (March–April 1865)

Casualties

The original strength of the regiment was 994. Total enrollment reached 1,118. The regiment lost 242 men by death, 25 by desertion, and 8 were unaccounted for. At the battle of Pleasant Hill, the regiment lost 7 killed and 47 wounded; in a later engagement near Marksville, 8 were killed and 45 wounded. More detailed breakdowns of killed, wounded, and disease losses are not specified in available sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Charles D. Murray
• Lieutenant Colonel Hervey Craven
• Major George Cubberly
• Major Samuel Henry
• Major Joseph P. Winters

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 89th 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 where available.

To view the complete roster, visit the 89th Indiana Infantry Regimental Roster page.

Sources & References

• The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (O.R.), 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, Vol. 3 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)