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1st Nevada Infantry Battalion facts for kids

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1st Nevada Infantry Battalion
Active 24 December 1864 – 23 December 1865
Country United States of America
Allegiance Union
Branch Army
Type infantry

The 1st Nevada Infantry Battalion was a group of soldiers who served the Union Army during the American Civil War. This war happened in the United States from 1861 to 1865. The Union Army fought to keep the country together.

Nevada was a new territory at the time. It played a part in supporting the Union. The idea was to create a full group of soldiers called a regiment. However, the unit never grew large enough to be a full regiment.

How the Battalion Got Started

The plan was to form a large group of soldiers. Charles Sumner was chosen to be the main leader, called a colonel. A. W. Briggs and John G. Paul were also picked as important officers. But because the group didn't get big enough, these leaders never officially started their roles.

Instead, three smaller groups, called companies, were formed. They began organizing in 1863. These companies were set up at a place called Fort Churchill in Nevada Territory.

Where the Companies Served

Each company had its own captain and specific duties. They helped keep order and protect areas in the West during the Civil War.

Company A's Missions

Company A had 119 soldiers. Its captain was M. R. Hassett, who later resigned in January 1865. William Wallace then became the captain. This company was mainly stationed at Fort Churchill. In 1865, they were part of an important trip to Mud Lake. This trip was likely to deal with local issues or protect settlers.

Company B's Duties

Company B had 126 soldiers. Their captain was George A. Thurston. This company also started at Fort Churchill. In July 1864, they moved to Fort Ruby. While there, they were involved in a small fight near Austin. This shows they helped keep peace in different parts of Nevada.

Company C's Role

Company C had 124 soldiers. John G. Kelly was their captain. Like the others, Company C was first at Fort Churchill. In December 1864, they moved to Camp Independence in California. This shows that Nevada's soldiers sometimes served outside the territory.

Battalion's End

The 1st Nevada Infantry Battalion served for about one year. It was officially active from December 24, 1864, to December 23, 1865. Even though it wasn't a full regiment, its companies played a role in supporting the Union effort in the Western territories.

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