26th Indiana Infantry Regiment in the American Civil War

Overview

The 26th 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 Federal service on August 31, 1861. It served primarily in the Western and Trans-Mississippi Theaters, participating in several significant campaigns and battles throughout its term of service.

The regiment was notable for its active involvement in operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama, including heavy fighting at Prairie Grove and the siege of Vicksburg. The 26th Indiana Infantry reenlisted as a veteran organization in 1864 and continued service until early 1866.

Organization & Service

The 26th Indiana Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Indianapolis and mustered in on August 31, 1861. Shortly after organization, the regiment departed Indiana on September 7, 1861, and reported to St. Louis, Missouri. It was attached to Fremont’s forces and participated in the campaign toward Springfield, Missouri. Following this, the regiment returned to Sedalia and performed railroad guard duty until July 1862.

In mid-1862, the regiment moved with Union forces into southern Missouri, engaging in the battles at Newtonia and Prairie Grove, Arkansas. At Prairie Grove, the regiment suffered significant casualties. Afterward, it was engaged in guard duty until May 1, 1863, when it was ordered to join General Grant’s army at Vicksburg, Mississippi. The 26th Indiana was actively engaged in the siege operations at Vicksburg until the city’s surrender on July 4, 1863.

Following Vicksburg, the regiment participated in the recapture of Yazoo City and was stationed at Port Hudson, Louisiana, after its surrender. It was subsequently posted at Carrolton, Louisiana. The regiment was engaged at Stirling’s Plantation near Morganza, where it suffered a defeat and nearly half its force was captured and held as prisoners in Tyler, Texas, for many months.

In October 1863, the 26th Indiana accompanied General Herron’s expedition to Texas, landing at Brazos Santiago and moving to Brownsville on the Mexican frontier. The regiment reenlisted as a veteran organization on February 1, 1864, and was granted furlough in April. Returning to duty in Louisiana on June 1, 1864, the regiment was assigned to garrison duty at Fort Butler, where it remained until spring 1865.

On February 18, 1865, recruits from the 60th Indiana Infantry were transferred to the 26th. In March, the regiment was ordered to Mobile, Alabama, as part of the XVI Corps, participating in the siege and assault on Spanish Fort. After the occupation of Mobile, the regiment was assigned to duty in the city, then moved to Meridian and Macon, Mississippi. A detachment of men whose terms had expired was mustered out in September 1865, with the remainder mustered out on January 15, 1866.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Fremont’s Campaign to Springfield, Missouri (1861)
• Railroad Guard Duty, Sedalia, Missouri (1861–1862)
• Battle of Newtonia, Missouri (September 1862)
• Battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas (December 1862)
• Battle of Van Buren, Arkansas (December 1862)
• Siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi (May–July 1863)
• Recapture of Yazoo City, Mississippi (July 1863)
• Port Hudson, Louisiana (post-surrender garrison, 1863)
• Battle of Stirling’s Plantation, Louisiana (September 1863)
• Herron’s Texas Expedition (October 1863)
• Garrison Duty at Fort Butler, Louisiana (1864–1865)
• Siege and Assault on Spanish Fort, Alabama (March–April 1865)
• Occupation of Mobile, Alabama (April 1865)
• Duty at Meridian and Macon, Mississippi (1865–1866)

Casualties

The original strength of the regiment was 1,024. During its service, the regiment gained 725 recruits and 248 reenlistments, totaling 1,997 men. Losses by death numbered 336. There were 38 desertions and 36 men unaccounted for. Detailed breakdowns of killed, wounded, and died of disease are not fully specified in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William M. Wheatley
• Colonel John G. Clark
• Lieutenant Colonel Richard O’Neal
• Lieutenant Colonel John G. Clark
• Lieutenant Colonel Augustine D. Rose
• Lieutenant Colonel Newton A. Logan
• Major John G. Clark
• Major Augustine D. Rose
• Major Harvey Johnson
• Major Newton A. Logan
• Major Alden H. Jumper

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of soldiers who served in the 26th Indiana Infantry (Three Years’ Service) is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster includes names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the full roster, visit the 26th Indiana Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (see Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama operations)
• 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