19th Indiana Infantry Regiment facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 19th Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry |
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Flag of the United States, 1863-1865
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| Active | July 29, 1861, to October 18, 1864 |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | Union |
| Branch | Infantry |
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The 19th Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry was a group of brave soldiers from Indiana. They were part of the Union Army during the American Civil War. These soldiers were foot soldiers, also known as infantry. They were a key part of a famous fighting group called the Iron Brigade. This brigade was known for being tough and fighting hard in many battles.
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What They Did: Their Service in the War
The 19th Indiana Regiment was formed in Indianapolis, Indiana, on July 29, 1861. These soldiers quickly found themselves in intense fighting. Their first big battle was during the Northern Virginia campaign in 1862.
Early Battles and Tough Fights
In their very first battle near Gainesville, they helped another group of soldiers, the 2nd Wisconsin. They fought against Confederate soldiers near a place called Brawner's Farm. Later, they were part of the main Second Battle of Bull Run. Here, the 19th Indiana and the rest of the Iron Brigade helped protect the retreating Union Army. They acted as a "rear guard," making sure the main army could get away safely.
During the Maryland Campaign, the 19th Indiana attacked a place called Turner's Gap in the Battle of South Mountain. After that, they faced a very tough fight at the Battle of Antietam. They suffered many injuries battling a group called Hood's Texas Brigade in a cornfield.
Gettysburg and Beyond
One of their most important moments was on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg on July 1, 1863. The 19th Indiana helped push back a Confederate group from McPherson Ridge. They then bravely defended their position for hours. Later, they moved to Culp's Hill and dug in, ready for more fighting. They didn't see as much action for the rest of that huge battle.
After Gettysburg, the regiment continued to serve in other campaigns. These included the Bristoe and Mine Run Campaigns in 1863. In 1864, they fought in the Overland Campaign and the long Siege of Petersburg.
On October 18, 1864, the 19th Indiana Regiment joined with another group, the 20th Indiana Infantry Regiment. This was a common practice when regiments had lost many soldiers.
Soldiers Lost: Casualties
The 19th Indiana Regiment faced many dangers. Sadly, 5 officers and 194 enlisted men were killed in battle or died from their wounds. Another 1 officer and 116 enlisted men died from diseases. In total, 316 soldiers from the 19th Indiana lost their lives during the war.
Who Led Them: Commanders
The regiment was led by brave officers, including:
- Colonel Solomon Meredith
- Colonel Samuel J. Williams
In Stories: The 19th Indiana in Fiction
The 19th Indiana Regiment has even appeared in books and TV shows!
- In the TV show The Rifleman, the main character, Lucas McCain, was a lieutenant in the 19th Indiana during the war. One episode showed him helping a wounded Southern soldier.
- In the book According to Hoyle by Abigail Roux, two characters, Eli Flynn and William Henry Washington, served in the 19th Indiana. They later became U.S. Marshals together.
