Overview
The 149th Indiana Infantry (One Year’s Service) was an infantry regiment from Indiana that served in the Union Army during the final months of the American Civil War. Organized at Indianapolis in February 1865, the regiment was part of the group of one-year regiments raised in response to the call of December 20, 1864. The unit served primarily in the Western Theater and was notable for its role in accepting the surrender of Confederate forces in Alabama.
Organization & Service
The 149th Indiana Infantry (One Year’s Service) was recruited primarily from the 7th Congressional District of Indiana. Organization took place at Indianapolis in February 1865, with the regiment mustered into Federal service on March 1, 1865. Colonel William A. Fairbanks commanded the regiment, with Lieutenant Colonel William D. Mull and Major Thomas B. Reeder as principal field officers.
After mustering, the regiment departed Indiana on March 3, 1865, proceeding to Nashville, Tennessee. Within a few weeks, it moved to Decatur, Alabama, where it was stationed for the remainder of its service. While at Decatur, the 149th Indiana Infantry received the surrender of Confederate forces under Generals Roddey and Polk, along with a significant quantity of arms and munitions. The regiment was mustered out of service at Nashville on September 27, 1865.
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
- Duty at Nashville, Tennessee (March 1865)
- Duty at Decatur, Alabama (Spring–Summer 1865)
- Received surrender of Confederate forces under Generals Roddey and Polk at Decatur, Alabama
Casualties
- Original strength: 1,025
- Gained by recruits: 16
- Total enrollment: 1,041
- Loss by death: 38
- Loss by desertion: 27
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel William A. Fairbanks
- Lieutenant Colonel William D. Mull
- Major Thomas B. Reeder
Regimental Roster
The complete roster of the 149th Indiana Infantry (One Year’s Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides details on the individuals who served in the regiment during its term of service.
To view the full roster, visit the 149th Indiana Infantry (One Year’s Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, relevant volumes.
- Indiana Adjutant General’s Report.
- Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion.
- Federal Publishing Company, The Union Army, Vol. 3 (1908).