1st Maine Heavy Artillery Regiment facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 1st Maine Heavy Artillery Regiment |
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|---|---|
| Active | August 21, 1862 – September 20, 1865 |
| Country |  United States |
| Allegiance | Union |
| Branch | Artillery |
| Size | Regiment |
| Engagements | American Civil War |
| Disbanded | September 20, 1865 |
The 1st Maine Heavy Artillery Regiment was a brave group of soldiers from Maine who fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. They are remembered for a very tough battle during the Siege of Petersburg, where they faced more losses in one day than any other Union regiment. They also had the most officers killed in any Union regiment throughout the war.
Contents
Starting as the 18th Maine Regiment
This regiment began in Bangor, Maine, in 1862. It was first called the 18th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Most of its soldiers and leaders came from the Penobscot River Valley. This area is around Bangor and places to its east.
The regiment was led by Colonel Daniel Chaplin. He was a merchant from Bangor. Charles Hamlin, whose father was Vice President Hannibal Hamlin, was also an officer here. He was promoted before the regiment saw much fighting.
Becoming Heavy Artillery
In 1863, the regiment's name was changed. It became the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery Regiment. For a while, they served in the defenses of Washington, D.C.. This meant they helped protect the capital city.
In the spring of 1864, they joined the Army of the Potomac. This was a major Union army. They became part of the Overland Campaign, a series of important battles.
Major Battles and Challenges
The regiment faced its first big losses at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. This happened in May 1864. They lost 6 officers and 76 men who were killed. Another 6 officers and 388 men were wounded.
The Hardest Day at Petersburg
The worst day for the regiment was on June 18, 1864. This was during the Siege of Petersburg. Colonel Chaplin ordered a charge across an open field. They were attacking Confederate defenses. This attack led to the greatest single loss of life for any Union regiment in the entire war.
In that one charge, 7 officers and 108 men were killed. Another 25 officers and 464 men were wounded. This meant about 67% of their 900 soldiers were hurt or killed. Colonel Chaplin survived this battle. However, he was later killed by a sharpshooter. Russell Benjamin Shepherd then commanded the regiment for the rest of the war.
End of Service
Overall, the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery Regiment had one of the highest casualty rates in the war. A total of 423 soldiers were killed in battle. Another 260 soldiers died from diseases. A special monument stands at the former battlefield in Petersburg. It honors the brave soldiers of the 1st Maine.
