1st Vermont Infantry Regiment facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 1st Vermont Infantry Regiment |
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Flag of Vermont, 1837–1923
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| Active | May 2, 1861 to August 15, 1861 |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Engagements | American Civil War |
| Disbanded | August 15, 1861 |
| Commanders | |
| Colonel | John W. Phelps |
| Lt. Col. | Peter T. Washburn |
The 1st Vermont Infantry Regiment was a group of soldiers from Vermont who served in the Union Army. This was the army of the northern states during the American Civil War. They were an infantry regiment, meaning they were foot soldiers. They served for three months in 1861. Their main job was in the eastern part of the war, especially near Fortress Monroe, Virginia.
The Start of the Regiment
Why Was the Regiment Formed?
In April 1861, the American Civil War began. President Abraham Lincoln asked for 75,000 volunteers to join the army. These soldiers would serve for three months to help stop the rebellion. Vermont's Governor, Erastus Fairbanks, heard this call. He quickly ordered that a regiment be formed in Vermont.
Where Did the Soldiers Come From?
The 1st Vermont Infantry Regiment was made up of ten companies. Each company came from a different town in Vermont.
- A Company: Swanton
- B Company: Woodstock
- C Company: St. Albans
- D Company: Bradford
- E Company: Cavendish
- F Company: Northfield
- G Company: Brandon
- H Company: Burlington
- I Company: Middlebury
- K Company: Rutland
Who Led the Regiment?
The leader of the regiment was John W. Phelps. He was a Captain from Brattleboro. Captain Phelps had a lot of experience. He had graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1836. He had also served in the regular army for 23 years. He was chosen to be the colonel of the new regiment.
Another important leader was Peter T. Washburn from Woodstock. He was a militia Captain. He became the lieutenant colonel. Later, he would become the Adjutant General and even the Governor of Vermont. Other notable officers included Roswell Farnham, who also became a future Governor. Also, William Y. W. Ripley, who later received the Medal of Honor, served in this regiment.
Training and Travel
Getting Ready for Service
The ten companies gathered in Rutland, Vermont, on May 2, 1861. They set up a camp on the fairgrounds south of the city. They called their camp Camp Fairbanks to honor Governor Fairbanks. The regiment officially joined the United States service on May 8.
Journey to Virginia
The very next day, May 9, the soldiers left Vermont for New York City. They arrived there on May 10. A businessman named Horace Henry Baxter helped the soldiers. He was the Adjutant General of the Vermont Militia. He used his own money to make sure the soldiers had equipment and were paid. He even rode at the front of the regiment as they left Vermont.
On May 11, the regiment boarded a ship called the Alabama. They sailed to Fortress Monroe in Virginia. They arrived there on May 13.
Service in Virginia
First Steps in Virginia
On May 23, the 1st Vermont Regiment made history. They were the first United States troops to explore Virginia soil. They marched six miles from Fortress Monroe to Hampton. This was their first scouting mission.
A few days later, on May 26, the regiment moved again. They took ships called the Cataline and Monticello. They sailed up Hampton Roads to Newport News. This became their main camp for the rest of their time in Virginia.
Taking Part in Battle
On June 10, some of the soldiers from the 1st Vermont Regiment saw action. Five companies from the 1st Vermont joined five companies from the 4th Massachusetts Infantry. They fought together in the Battle of Big Bethel.
Returning Home
The Journey Back to Vermont
On August 4, the regiment began their journey home. They boarded ships named the Ben de Ford and . R. Spaulding. They sailed to New Haven, Connecticut. From there, they took a train back to Brattleboro, Vermont. They arrived home on August 9.
End of Service
The soldiers were paid and officially released from service on August 15 and 16. The regiment had 38 officers and 743 enlisted men. Sadly, one soldier was killed in battle. Four soldiers died from illness, and one died in an accident.
Many of these brave soldiers did not stop serving. About five out of six members of this regiment later joined the army again. This time, they signed up for three years. Also, 250 of them became officers in other units from Vermont and nearby states.
