76th Illinois Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 76th Illinois Infantry (Union) was an infantry regiment organized at Kankakee, Illinois, and mustered into Federal service on August 22, 1862, for three years. Serving in the Western Theater, the regiment participated in several major campaigns and engagements, including the Vicksburg Campaign and the assault on Fort Blakely. The unit was known for its active service in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama, and was mustered out in July 1865.

Organization & Service

The 76th Illinois Infantry was organized at Kankakee, Illinois, and mustered in on August 22, 1862. Shortly after organization, the regiment was ordered to Columbus, Kentucky, arriving there on August 29, 1862, where it was armed with Enfield rifle muskets. The regiment performed drill, fatigue, and picket duty at Columbus until October 4, when it was ordered by rail to Bolivar, Tennessee, arriving on October 5. The regiment camped near Bolivar until November 3, then moved with other troops to LaGrange, Tennessee, remaining there until November 28.

On November 28, 1862, the regiment joined General Grant’s campaign along the Mississippi Central Railroad, moving through Holly Springs and Waterford, Mississippi, and participating in operations to drive Confederate forces southwest. In May 1863, the regiment embarked for Grand Gulf, then returned to Young’s Point, Louisiana, and immediately proceeded to Chickasaw Bayou. The 76th Illinois was engaged in closing up the lines in the rear of Vicksburg and was positioned on the left of the besieging lines until the city’s surrender on July 4, 1863.

Following the fall of Vicksburg, the regiment moved with Sherman’s army against Jackson, Mississippi, skirmishing at the Big Black River and Champion’s Hill. At Jackson, from July 12–16, 1863, the regiment occupied the extreme right of the attacking forces. In May 1864, the regiment participated in an expedition to Yazoo City, engaging in battles at Benton, Vaughn’s Station, and Deasonville, and occupied Yazoo City for several days. In July 1864, while returning from an expedition to Jackson, the regiment was engaged in a sharp battle between Jackson and Clinton, suffering significant casualties after being cut off but managing to cut its way out.

In the spring of 1865, the regiment was transferred to the extreme South, operating in Alabama. It participated in the campaign against Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely, including the final assault on Fort Blakely on April 9, 1865. After the capture of Mobile, the regiment remained on duty there until late June, then moved to Galveston, Texas, where it stayed until July 22, 1865. The 76th Illinois Infantry was mustered out at Galveston and returned to Chicago, Illinois, where it was paid off and disbanded on August 4, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Grant’s Mississippi Central Railroad Campaign (1862)
• Operations at Holly Springs and Waterford (1862)
• Vicksburg Campaign (1863), including siege and assault on Vicksburg
• Advance on Jackson, Mississippi (July 1863)
• Expedition to Yazoo City, including battles at Benton, Vaughn’s Station, and Deasonville (May 1864)
• Action between Jackson and Clinton, Mississippi (July 1864)
• Campaign against Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely, Alabama (March–April 1865)
• Assault and capture of Fort Blakely (April 9, 1865)

Casualties

During its service, the 76th Illinois Infantry suffered the following losses:

• July 1864 action between Jackson and Clinton: 16 killed, 86 wounded and missing (total 102 casualties reported for this engagement)
• Assault on Fort Blakely (April 9, 1865): 17 killed, 81 wounded
• Total losses for the regiment: Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Alonzo W. Mack
• Colonel Samuel T. Busey
• Lieutenant Colonel Samuel T. Busey
• Lieutenant Colonel William A. Dubois
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles C. Jones
• Major William A. Dubois
• Major George C. Harrington
• Major Walter W. Todd

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 76th Illinois Infantry, including officers and enlisted men who served during its term, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and Federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 76th Illinois Infantry Regimental Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. XVII, XXIV, XXXII, XXXIX
• Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Illinois
• Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• Contemporary reports and correspondence from regimental and brigade commanders