4th California Infantry Regiment facts for kids

Quick facts for kids 4th California Volunteer Infantry
California flag
Active	September 1861 to April 18, 1866
Country	United States
Allegiance	Union
Branch	Infantry

The 4th California Infantry was a group of volunteer soldiers from northern California. They joined the Union army during the American Civil War. This group was put together in places like Sacramento, Placerville, and Auburn in late 1861.

Who Led the 4th California Infantry?

The 4th California Infantry had several leaders during its time:

• Colonel Henry M. Judah: September 1861 - November 1861
• Colonel Ferris Foreman: November 1861 - August 20, 1863
• Colonel James F. Curtis: August 20, 1863 - November 30, 1865 (when the group was combined with others)

Many of these soldiers were excited to fight in the big battles happening in the eastern United States. However, they were sent to guard areas on the West Coast instead. They spent their time protecting these areas until their service ended. The regiment mainly served in Oregon and Washington Territory, and in Southern California. Because their duties didn't need the whole group in one place, the companies (smaller groups of soldiers) were often split up and sent to different locations. The regiment officially finished its service on April 18, 1866.

Where Did the Companies Serve?

The different companies of the 4th California Infantry were sent to many places across the West Coast. Their main job was to act as a "garrison," meaning they guarded forts and important locations.

Regimental Headquarters

The main office for the regiment moved around. It started in Auburn, then moved to Camp Union near Sacramento. Later, it moved to Camp Latham near Los Angeles, and finally settled at Drum Barracks, where it stayed for most of the war.

Company "A"

This company started in Placerville. They traveled to Fort Vancouver in Washington Territory and later served at Fort Walla Walla. They also spent time at Benicia Barracks and Drum Barracks in California. Some members finished their service in October 1864.

New Company "A"

A new Company "A" was formed from remaining soldiers and new recruits. They served in Santa Barbara, Cahuenga Pass, and Drum Barracks. Later, they moved to Fort Humboldt and Camp Iaqua before being officially released from service in November 1865.

Company "B"

Company "B" also began in Placerville. They served at Fort Vancouver and Fort Dalles. They returned to California for duty at Benicia Barracks and Camp Drum. They also spent time at Fort Mohave before finishing their service at Drum Barracks.

New Company "B"

This new company was sent to Fort Humboldt and Fort Gaston before their service ended.

Company "C"

This company was formed in Shasta County and joined the service in Auburn. They served at Fort Vancouver and Fort Walla Walla in Washington Territory. Later, they were stationed at Benicia Barracks and Camp Drum in California. They also guarded Santa Catalina Island and served at Fort Mojave until their service ended.

Company "D"

Company "D" was organized in Auburn. They served at Fort Vancouver, Fort Yamhill, and Fort Hoskins in Oregon. They also took part in an expedition from Siletz Block House to Coos Bay in 1864.

New Company "D"

After the original Company D finished its service, a new one was quickly formed. This new company mostly stayed at Fort Yamhill until they were officially released from service in December 1865.

Company "E"

Company "E" was formed in Auburn. They served at Fort Vancouver and Fort Steilacoom. They later moved to Benicia Barracks and Drum Barracks in California. They also spent time at Fort Yuma before finishing their service at Drum Barracks.

Company "F"

This company was formed in Coloma. They served at Camp Sigel and Camp Union before moving to Camp Latham and Camp Drum in Southern California. They also served at Fort Yuma and La Paz, Arizona.

New Company "F"

The new Company "F" moved to Fort Humboldt and served in the Humboldt Military District until their service ended.

Company "G"

Company "G" was organized at Camp Sigel. They moved to Camp Union and then to Camp Latham in Southern California. They served in San Diego, California until their service ended.

Company "H"

This company joined the service at Camp Union. They moved to Camp Latham and Camp Drum in Southern California. They also served at Fort Yuma and San Luis Obispo before finishing their service at Drum Barracks.

Company "I"

Company "I" was formed in Nevada City. They served at Camp Sigel, Camp Union, and Benicia Barracks. They also spent time at Fort Umpqua and Fort Mojave until their service ended.

Company "K"

This company was organized at Camp Union. They served at Benicia Barracks, Camp Drum, and Fort Yuma. They also spent time at Camp Lincoln and San Bernardino before being officially released from service in November 1865.

Reenactors

Today, there's a group in Oregon and northern California that reenacts Company D of the 4th California Infantry. They help bring history to life!

Companies A, B, C, D, and E were sent to the Washington Territory in late 1862. They were called back to California at different times. Company D's time in Oregon is well-documented, as they served at Fort Hoskins and Fort Yamhill. They even took part in an expedition from Siletz Block House to Coos Bay in 1864. Interestingly, many soldiers from Company D decided to stay in Oregon and start new lives there after their service ended, instead of returning to California.