2nd Vermont Infantry Regiment facts for kids

Quick facts for kids 2nd Vermont Infantry Regiment
Flag of Vermont, 1837–1923
Active	June 20, 1861 to July 15, 1865
Allegiance	United States Union
Branch	United States Army Union Army
Type	Infantry
Size	1,811
Engagements	First Battle of Bull Run Battle of Williamsburg Battle of Savage's Station Battle of Antietam Battle of Fredericksburg Battle of Salem Church Battle of Gettysburg Battle of the Wilderness Battle of Spotsylvania Court House Battle of Cold Harbor Third Battle of Winchester Battle of Cedar Creek
Disbanded	July 15, 1865
Commanders
Colonel	Henry Whiting
Insignia
2nd Brigade (Vermont Brigade), 2nd Division, VI Corps (Union Army), Army of the Potomac/Army of the Shenandoah (Union)

The 2nd Vermont Infantry Regiment was a group of soldiers who fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. They were an infantry regiment, meaning they fought on foot. This regiment served for four years, from June 1861 to July 1865. They were part of the famous Vermont Brigade, which was known for its bravery. Most of their time was spent fighting in the eastern part of the United States.

A Look Back: The Regiment's Story

Forming the Regiment

In July 1861, President Abraham Lincoln asked for 500,000 men to join the army. The 2nd Vermont Infantry was the first regiment from Vermont to join up for three years. It was one of the longest-serving units from Vermont. Soldiers came from towns like Brattleboro, Burlington, and Montpelier.

The first leader of the regiment was Colonel Henry H. Whiting. He was chosen by Governor Erastus Fairbanks. George J. Stannard became the lieutenant colonel, and Charles H. Joyce was the major.

Joining the Fight

The regiment gathered in Burlington, Vermont, and officially joined the U.S. Army on June 20, 1861. Just four days later, they traveled to Washington, D.C..

On July 21, they fought in their first big battle, the First Battle of Bull Run. It was a tough fight, and the regiment had 68 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing.

The Famous Vermont Brigade

In August 1861, the 2nd Vermont Infantry joined other regiments near Chain Bridge. By September, the 4th, 5th, and 6th Vermont regiments joined them. Together, they formed the well-known "Old Vermont Brigade." This brigade became famous for its courage and fighting spirit.

The brigade was first led by Brigadier General William Farrar Smith. Later, William T. H. Brooks took command. From then on, the story of the 2nd Vermont Infantry was mostly the story of the Vermont Brigade.

Changes in Leadership

Over time, the regiment had several leaders. Colonel Whiting left in 1863. James H. Walbridge took over, but he also left in 1864. Newton Stone then became colonel, but he was sadly killed in action during the Battle of the Wilderness in May 1864. John S. Tyler, his replacement, was also wounded and died later that month. Finally, Amasa Tracy became the commander and led the regiment until it was disbanded.

Lieutenant Colonel George J. Stannard was promoted to lead another Vermont regiment in 1862. He later commanded the 2nd Vermont Brigade, which became famous for helping to stop Pickett's Charge at the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863.

When Their Service Ended

Many of the original soldiers left the army in June 1864. Other soldiers, who had joined later, left in June 1865. The very last officers and men left the service on July 15, 1865.

Brave Actions: Medal of Honor Heroes

The Medal of Honor is the highest award for bravery a soldier can receive. Five members of the 2nd Vermont Infantry Regiment earned this special medal for their heroic actions:

• Captain Dayton P. Clarke, Company F: He showed great courage in a hand-to-hand fight during the Battle of Spotsylvania on May 12, 1864.
• Sergeant Ephraim W. Harrington, Company G: He bravely carried the regiment's flag almost to the enemy's guns during the Second Battle of Fredericksburg on May 3, 1863.
• Private William W. Noyes, Company F: At Spotsylvania on May 12, 1864, he stood on top of a wall and fired 15 shots at the enemy, who were only a few yards away.
• 2nd Lieutenant Augustus J. Robbins, Company B: He volunteered to help move a regiment to safety while under heavy fire at Spotsylvania on May 12, 1864, and was seriously wounded.
• Lieutenant Colonel Amasa S. Tracy: He took command and led his brigade in an attack on enemy defenses during the Battle of Cedar Creek on October 19, 1864.

Battles and Fights

The 2nd Vermont Infantry Regiment fought in many important battles during the Civil War. Here are some of the key engagements they were part of:

Regiment Numbers: A Summary

This table shows the total number of soldiers who served in the 2nd Vermont Infantry and what happened to them: