Introduction
The 23rd Indiana Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized in Indianapolis and mustered into federal service in September 1861, the regiment saw extensive action in the Western Theater, participating in several major campaigns and battles from 1862 until the final occupation of Confederate territory in 1865. The regiment’s service record reflects the broader experience of Union infantry units, illustrating the evolution of military organization, tactics, and the shifting strategic priorities that defined the war.
Organization and Recruitment
Formation and Early Service
The 23rd Indiana Infantry was authorized by the Indiana General Assembly on 20 September 1861. The regiment was organized at Indianapolis and officially mustered into United States service on 6 September 1861 under the command of Colonel William L. Clark. Recruitment efforts were largely concentrated in Marion, Boone, and Hamilton counties, where the population had a strong sense of Union loyalty. Enlistment terms were primarily for three years, with a mix of volunteer and pre-paid soldiers.
Upon organization, the regiment was assigned to the Department of the Ohio, a strategic command responsible for Union operations along the western border of the Confederacy. Initial training took place in the city’s training grounds and at the surrounding camp, where recruits received instruction in drill, musketry, and fieldcraft. The regiment’s early organization was shaped by the experiences of earlier Indiana units, which had demonstrated effectiveness in rapid mobilization and disciplined infantry tactics.
Company Composition
The 23rd Indiana Infantry was organized into ten companies, labeled A through K, with the exception of Company J. Each company comprised roughly 100 to 120 men, making the regiment’s authorized strength approximately 1,000 soldiers. The companies were recruited from specific counties, as indicated below:
- Company A – Marion County
- Company B – Boone County
- Company C – Hamilton County
- Company D – Jasper County
- Company E – Madison County
- Company F – White County
- Company G – Tippecanoe County
- Company H – St. Joseph County
- Company I – Kosciusko County
- Company K – Cass County
Each company was commanded by a captain, with lieutenants and sergeants filling subordinate roles. The officers were selected from the ranks of the enlisted men, often based on prior militia experience or local reputation. Noncommissioned officers provided daily leadership and maintained order during training and combat.
Service History
Early Campaigns (1861–1862)
After initial organization, the 23rd Indiana Infantry moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where it was attached to the 7th Brigade, 2nd Division of the Army of the Ohio. The regiment’s first operational duty involved guarding supply lines and railroads in Kentucky and Tennessee, a crucial task as Union forces sought to secure the border states. In December 1861, the regiment participated in the occupation of Lexington, Kentucky, and later in the defense of Cumberland Gap.
In early 1862, the regiment was reassigned to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division of the Army of the Ohio. It was deployed to the frontlines near Paducah, Kentucky, and then advanced into Tennessee. During the spring of 1862, the 23rd Indiana was involved in the Battle of Mill Springs, a small engagement that provided early experience in coordinated infantry assault and defensive tactics. Although the battle was a Union victory, it was costly, and the regiment suffered its first significant casualties.
Middle Operations (1863–1864)
By mid-1862, the regiment had been transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, reflecting the Union's strategic focus on controlling Middle Tennessee and the heart of the Confederacy’s western resources. The 23rd Indiana participated in the Tullahoma Campaign, an offensive aimed at driving Confederate forces from middle Tennessee. During this campaign, the regiment was engaged in skirmishes and held positions along the Duck River.
In the summer of 1863, the 23rd Indiana was part of the forces that fought in the Battle of Chickamauga. The regiment advanced across the Chickamauga Creek and was positioned on the Union right flank. Despite fierce resistance and significant Union losses, the regiment's disciplined line fighting helped maintain the Union line until the army could be reorganized.
Following Chickamauga, the regiment participated in the Siege of Chattanooga, occupying key defensive positions around Missionary Ridge. In the ensuing Chattanooga Campaign, the 23rd Indiana played a role in the Battle of Missionary Ridge, where Union forces forced the Confederates to withdraw from the ridge. The regiment moved forward in the aftermath, securing the high ground and facilitating the Union’s continued advance.
In 1864, the 23rd Indiana was heavily engaged in the Atlanta Campaign under Major General William T. Sherman. The regiment took part in the Battles of Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, and Jonesboro. During these engagements, the regiment’s experience in siege tactics and trench warfare was crucial as Union forces applied continuous pressure on Confederate supply lines and fortifications.
Final Engagements and Muster Out (1865)
After the fall of Atlanta, the regiment joined Sherman’s March to the Sea, operating under the Georgia Railroad and capturing key logistical nodes. During the Carolinas Campaign, the 23rd Indiana participated in the Battle of Bentonville and other skirmishes aimed at dismantling Confederate infrastructure. The regiment continued to serve in the occupation of Confederate territories, maintaining order and facilitating the reestablishment of civil governance.
The 23rd Indiana Infantry was mustered out of service on 28 July 1865 in Nashville, Tennessee. At the time of discharge, the regiment had suffered a total of 12,347 casualties, including killed, wounded, missing, and disease-related deaths, reflecting the harsh conditions and prolonged exposure to combat and camp life.
Key Battles and Engagements
Battle of Mill Springs
First engagement of the regiment, fought on 20 January 1862 near the Cumberland River. The regiment advanced under artillery cover, engaging Confederate forces in a brief but intense exchange. The battle resulted in a Union victory, though the 23rd Indiana incurred its first significant casualties, including several wounded and missing soldiers.
Battle of Chickamauga
Fought on 19–20 September 1863 in northern Georgia. The regiment was positioned on the right flank of the Union line, contributing to the defense against Confederate assaults. The battle was a Union defeat but showcased the regiment's ability to hold positions under heavy fire.
Battle of Missionary Ridge
Fought on 25 November 1863 during the Chattanooga Campaign. The regiment supported the Union offensive that forced Confederate withdrawal from the ridge. The victory enabled the Union Army to secure Chattanooga and opened the path toward Atlanta.
Battle of Resaca
Part of the Atlanta Campaign, fought on 14–15 May 1864. The regiment engaged in a protracted assault against fortified Confederate positions along the East River. The action resulted in Union gains, but the regiment suffered significant casualties.
Battle of Kennesaw Mountain
Fought on 27 June 1864 during the Atlanta Campaign. The regiment was involved in a frontal assault on Confederate earthworks, experiencing intense musketry and artillery fire. The attack failed to break Confederate lines, leading to a costly Union retreat.
Battle of Jonesboro
Fought on 31 August–1 September 1864, the regiment was part of the Union forces that captured the railroad junction, crippling Confederate supply lines to Atlanta. The victory led to the fall of the city on 2 September 1864.
Bentonville
Fought on 19–21 March 1865 during the Carolinas Campaign. The regiment was involved in the defense against Confederate forces attempting to block Union advancement into the Carolinas. The Union ultimately prevailed, and the battle was a prelude to the final Confederate surrender.
Command Structure
Commanders
- Colonel William L. Clark (September 1861 – February 1862)
- Colonel Thomas R. Smith (February 1862 – October 1863)
- Colonel James H. Carter (October 1863 – June 1865)
Under these commanders, the regiment underwent multiple reorganizations, reflecting the Union Army’s evolving structure. The leadership was praised for discipline, adaptability, and maintaining morale during prolonged campaigns.
Notable Officers and Soldiers
Several individuals from the regiment received recognition for gallantry. Captain Thomas J. Miller was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Missionary Ridge. Sergeant John D. Thompson received commendation for his leadership during the Battle of Resaca. Additionally, Private Samuel W. Jones was cited for extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.
Casualties and Awards
The regiment suffered a total of 12,347 casualties during its service, comprising:
- Killed in action: 1,254
- Wounded: 2,567
- Missing: 987
- Died of disease: 7,639
These numbers reflect the harsh reality of Civil War combat and camp conditions. In addition to the Medal of Honor recipients, the regiment earned several commendations for bravery and valor, as documented in military rolls and official reports.
Legacy and Commemoration
After the war, veterans of the 23rd Indiana Infantry returned to Indiana, where they formed veterans' associations and participated in community life. Several memorials commemorate the regiment, including a stone monument in Indianapolis’s Soldiers and Sailors Cemetery. The regiment’s flag, a gift from the state, is preserved in the Indiana Historical Society.
Commemorative events, such as reunion gatherings and public lectures, were held regularly into the early 20th century. The regiment’s history has been documented in a number of scholarly works, providing insight into Union infantry life, command decisions, and battlefield experiences.
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