43rd Indiana Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 43rd Indiana Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment from Indiana that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Terre Haute, Indiana, the regiment was mustered into Federal service on September 27, 1861. It served primarily in the Western Theater, participating in significant campaigns and engagements in Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, and Mississippi. The regiment is noted for its early involvement in the capture of Memphis and its actions during the Red River Campaign and at Marks’ Mills.

Organization & Service

The 43rd Indiana Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Terre Haute and mustered in on September 27, 1861. Shortly after organization, the regiment moved to Spottsville, Kentucky, and then to Calhoun, Kentucky, where it remained in camp until late February 1862. It was then transferred to Missouri and attached to General Pope’s army, participating in the siege operations at New Madrid and Island No. 10.

Following these operations, the regiment joined Foote’s gunboat fleet at Fort Pillow, Tennessee, remaining there for 69 days. The 43rd Indiana was the first Union regiment to land in Memphis, Tennessee, and, alongside the 42nd Indiana, formed the initial garrison of the city until reinforcements arrived. In July 1862, the regiment was ordered up the White River in Arkansas and later stationed at Helena, Arkansas. It took part in Hovey’s expedition to Grenada, Mississippi, and, upon returning to Helena, participated in the Yazoo Pass expedition.

At the Battle of Helena on July 4, 1863, the regiment supported a battery, repulsed three attacks, and captured a Confederate regiment larger than its own. The 43rd Indiana assisted in the capture of Little Rock and reenlisted as a veteran organization in January 1864. It then participated in the Camden Expedition, engaging at Elkin’s Ferry, Jenkins’ Ferry, Camden, and notably at Marks’ Mills, where the regiment suffered heavy losses while guarding a wagon train from Camden to Pine Bluff. Of those captured at Marks’ Mills, 104 were reenlisted veterans, and a total of 164 men were sent to Confederate prison at Tyler, Texas, where 10 or 12 died.

After being furloughed home in June 1864, the regiment volunteered to defend Frankfort, Kentucky, against Morgan’s cavalry and engaged in a skirmish with guerrillas near Eminence, Kentucky. Upon completion of furlough, the 43rd Indiana was assigned to guard duty at Camp Morton in Indianapolis, overseeing Confederate prisoners. The regiment was mustered out of service on June 14, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Siege of New Madrid, Missouri (March 1862)
• Siege of Island No. 10 (March–April 1862)
• Operations at Fort Pillow, Tennessee (Spring 1862)
• Occupation of Memphis, Tennessee (June 1862)
• White River Expedition, Arkansas (July 1862)
• Helena, Arkansas (July 1862–July 1863)
• Hovey’s Expedition to Grenada, Mississippi (1862)
• Yazoo Pass Expedition (1863)
• Battle of Helena, Arkansas (July 4, 1863)
• Capture of Little Rock, Arkansas (September 1863)
• Camden Expedition (Spring 1864): Elkin’s Ferry, Jenkins’ Ferry, Camden, Marks’ Mills
• Defense of Frankfort, Kentucky (June 1864)
• Skirmish near Eminence, Kentucky (June 1864)
• Guard duty at Camp Morton, Indianapolis (1864–1865)

Casualties

The 43rd Indiana Infantry (Three Years’ Service) had an original strength of 985 men. During its service, it gained 1,154 recruits and 165 reenlistments, totaling 2,304 men. Losses by death numbered 206, including those killed, mortally wounded, and died of disease. There were 121 desertions and 285 men unaccounted for. Of 164 men captured at Marks’ Mills and sent to Tyler, Texas, 10 or 12 died in captivity.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel George K. Steele
• Colonel William E. McLean
• Colonel John C. Major
• Lieutenant Colonel William E. McLean
• Lieutenant Colonel John C. Major
• Lieutenant Colonel Wesley W. Norris
• Major William L. Farrow
• Major John C. Major
• Major Wesley W. Norris
• Major Charles W. Mess

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 43rd Indiana Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official sources.

To view the complete roster, visit the 43rd Indiana Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes VIII, XIII, XXII, XXXIV
• 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