85th Indiana Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 85th Indiana Infantry (Union Army, Infantry) was organized at Terre Haute, Indiana, and mustered into Federal service on September 2, 1862. Serving in the Western Theater, the regiment participated in major campaigns and engagements from Kentucky and Tennessee through Georgia and the Carolinas. The 85th Indiana was notable for its early capture at Thompson’s Station and its subsequent service in the Atlanta, Savannah, and Carolinas campaigns.

The regiment served the Union cause until the end of the war, mustering out on June 12, 1865. Its service included significant combat, long marches, and periods of guard and garrison duty.

Organization & Service

The 85th Indiana Infantry was organized at Terre Haute, Indiana, and mustered in on September 2, 1862. Shortly after organization, the regiment moved to Covington, Kentucky, then to Falmouth, and later to Danville, Kentucky, where it remained until February 1863. It was then ordered to Franklin, Tennessee.

In March 1863, while on a forage and scouting expedition with its brigade, the regiment engaged Confederate forces at Thompson’s Station. After several hours of fighting, the brigade was surrounded and compelled to surrender. The 85th Indiana suffered heavy losses and was taken prisoner, with the men sent to Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia, until exchanged on March 31, 1863.

After exchange, the regiment returned to Franklin in June 1863, engaging in skirmishing and fighting until the Confederate army under Bragg retreated. The 85th Indiana spent the summer, fall, and winter at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, performing railroad guard duty.

On April 20, 1864, the regiment joined the Union forces for the Atlanta Campaign, participating in the battles of Resaca, Cassville, Dallas, Golgotha, Kolb’s Farm, and Peachtree Creek. The regiment was engaged in all operations before Atlanta and was present at its capture.

Following the Atlanta Campaign, the 85th Indiana took part in the Savannah Campaign, including the siege and capture of Savannah. On January 1, 1865, its division was the first to cross into South Carolina, driving back Confederate cavalry. The regiment remained in the swamps near the Savannah River until February, then joined the march through the Carolinas. At Averasboro, it led a brigade charge under heavy fire, and at Bentonville, it participated in key actions, including constructing defensive works under fire.

The regiment continued through Goldsboro, Raleigh, Richmond, and finally to Washington, D.C., where it was mustered out on June 12, 1865. Remaining recruits were transferred to the 33rd Indiana Infantry and served until July 21, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Thompson’s Station (March 1863)
• Skirmishes near Franklin, Tennessee (1863)
• Atlanta Campaign (Resaca, Cassville, Dallas, Golgotha, Kolb’s Farm, Peachtree Creek, 1864)
• Siege and capture of Atlanta (1864)
• Savannah Campaign (Siege and capture of Savannah, 1864)
• Carolinas Campaign (Averasboro, Bentonville, 1865)
• March to Goldsboro, Raleigh, Richmond, and Washington (1865)

Casualties

The original strength of the 85th Indiana Infantry was 885 men, with a gain of 200 recruits, totaling 1,085. The regiment lost 212 men by death, 52 by desertion, and 34 were unaccounted for. Detailed breakdowns of killed, wounded, and died of disease are not fully specified in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel John P. Baird
• Colonel Alexander B. Crane
• Lieutenant Colonel Alexander B. Crane
• Lieutenant Colonel Jefferson E. Brant
• Major Robert E. Craig
• Major Jefferson E. Brant
• Major William T. Crawford

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 85th Indiana Infantry, including officers and enlisted men, 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 85th Indiana Infantry Regimental Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts
• 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