123rd Indiana Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 123rd Indiana Infantry (Union) was an infantry regiment organized at Greensburg, Indiana, during the winter of 1863-64. It was mustered into United States service on March 9, 1864, and served in the Western Theater as part of the Union Army. The regiment participated in several major campaigns, including the Atlanta Campaign, the pursuit of Hood, and operations in North Carolina. It was known for its active engagement in numerous battles and for sustaining significant casualties during its service.

Organization & Service

The 123rd Indiana Infantry was organized at Greensburg, Indiana, and mustered in on March 9, 1864. The regiment left Indiana on March 18, 1864, proceeding to Nashville, Tennessee, where it was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 23rd Army Corps. The regiment marched to Charleston, Tennessee, and subsequently joined the Atlanta Campaign.

During the campaign, the 123rd Indiana was engaged at Rocky Face Ridge, supporting a successful charge that captured a fortified peak. It participated in the Battle of Resaca, repulsing enemy attacks and pursuing Confederate forces with frequent skirmishing. The regiment supported operations near Dallas and, on June 9, 1864, its brigade was transferred to the 2nd Division of the 23rd Corps. At Lost Mountain, the division dislodged Confederate forces under heavy fire, capturing prisoners. The regiment also saw action at Pine Mountain and Kennesaw Mountain, where it drove the enemy into their entrenchments and held the position against repeated counterattacks, sustaining notable casualties.

Continuing through the Atlanta Campaign, the 123rd Indiana was involved in the advance on Decatur and the assault on Atlanta on August 6, remaining under fire until the city was evacuated. After encamping at Decatur, the regiment joined the pursuit of Hood’s army in October, moving as far as Gaylesville, Alabama, before returning to Tennessee. In November, a battalion was stationed at Gordon’s Ferry, while the remainder of the regiment was at Williamstown. The regiment maneuvered to avoid Confederate cavalry under Forrest and rejoined its brigade without loss.

The 123rd Indiana participated in the Battle of Nashville and the subsequent pursuit of Hood’s forces, halting at Columbia, Tennessee, in late December 1864. In January 1865, the regiment moved to Clifton, Tennessee, then traveled by river and rail to Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, Virginia. In March, it sailed for North Carolina, landing at Fort Anderson, and advanced through Morehead City and New Berne toward Raleigh. At Wise Forks, the regiment was engaged in heavy fighting, repelling enemy assaults and participating in a countercharge. The regiment then moved to Kinston, Goldsboro, and Raleigh, performing railroad guard duty until April 9. It subsequently moved to Greensboro and Charlotte, North Carolina, where it remained through the summer before being mustered out at Raleigh on August 25, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Atlanta Campaign (including Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Lost Mountain, Pine Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, Decatur, Atlanta)
• Pursuit of Hood’s Army (including operations at Gaylesville, Columbia, and Franklin, Tennessee)
• Battle of Nashville
• Operations in North Carolina (including Fort Anderson, Morehead City, New Berne, Wise Forks, Kinston, Goldsboro, Raleigh, Greensboro, Charlotte)

Casualties

• Original strength: 1,050
• Gained by recruits: 20
• Total served: 1,070
• Loss by death: 171
• Deserted: 36
• Unaccounted for: 7
• During the Atlanta Campaign: 28 killed, 105 wounded
• At Kennesaw Mountain: 6 killed, 40 wounded
• At Atlanta (August 6): 27 killed and wounded

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel John C. McQuiston
• Lieutenant Colonel William A. Cullen
• Lieutenant Colonel De Witt C. Walters
• Major De Witt C. Walters
• Major Irwin Robbins

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 123rd Indiana Infantry, including officers and enlisted men who served during its term, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.

To view the complete roster, visit the 123rd Indiana Infantry Regimental Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. XXXVIII, XLV, XLVII
• 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, Vol. 3, Federal Publishing Company, 1908