Overview
The 62nd Indiana Infantry (Civil War) was an infantry regiment authorized for Union service from Indiana during the American Civil War. Authority to organize the regiment was granted in the fall of 1861, with Rockport, Indiana, designated as the rendezvous point. The regiment was intended to serve in the Union Army, representing Indiana’s 1st Congressional district.
Despite initial efforts, the regiment was never fully organized as a separate entity. The companies and recruits raised for the 62nd Indiana Infantry were ultimately consolidated with the 53rd Indiana Infantry in early 1862.
Organization & Service
In the fall of 1861, William Jones of Rockport received authorization to organize the 62nd Indiana Infantry. Recruitment efforts began in the 1st Congressional district, with Rockport serving as the central location for assembling volunteers. However, the attempt to raise a full regiment was unsuccessful, and the required number of companies was not reached.
On February 26, 1862, the companies and recruits that had been gathered for the 62nd Indiana Infantry were consolidated with the 53rd Indiana Infantry. From that point forward, these men served as part of the 53rd Indiana Infantry for the remainder of their term. William Jones, who had led the effort to organize the 62nd, was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the 53rd Indiana Infantry.
Research This Regiment Further
If you’d like to explore this unit’s history in more depth, regimental histories and Civil War reference works offer valuable detail.
Engagements & Campaigns
The 62nd Indiana Infantry did not serve as a distinct regiment in any campaigns or battles. Its companies and recruits were consolidated with the 53rd Indiana Infantry, which participated in various operations during its service.
Casualties
No separate casualty figures are recorded for the 62nd Indiana Infantry, as it was never fully organized and its members served under the 53rd Indiana Infantry after consolidation.
Field Officers & Commanders
- William Jones – Colonel (authorized to organize; later Lieutenant-Colonel, 53rd Indiana Infantry)
Regimental Roster
The 62nd Indiana Infantry did not maintain a separate roster, as its companies and recruits were merged with the 53rd Indiana Infantry. For information on individuals who enlisted under the 62nd, consult the roster of the 53rd Indiana Infantry.
The full roster for this regiment is available on the 62nd Indiana Infantry Regimental Roster page.
Sources & References
- The Union Army, Vol. 3 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)
- Indiana Adjutant General’s Report
- Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion