4th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment

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4th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment
Flag of Wisconsin.svg
ActiveJuly 2, 1861 – September 1, 1863
CountryUnited States
AllegianceUnion
BranchInfantry
SizeRegiment
EngagementsAmerican Civil War
Commanders
ColonelHalbert E. Paine
ColonelSidney A. Bean
ColonelFrederick A. Boardman

The 4th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War, primarily in the Western Theater. It was later mounted and became the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry Regiment.

History[]

The 4th Wisconsin was raised as an infantry regiment at Camp Utley in Racine and was mustered into Federal service on July 2, 1861.[1] It was first assigned to garrison duty in Maryland, then in February 1862 was transferred to Newport News, Virginia. It became part of the Army of the Gulf and was subsequently sent to New Orleans, Louisiana. During the following year, the 4th Wisconsin participated in several expeditions against Vicksburg, Mississippi, and Port Hudson, Louisiana. It saw action in the Siege of Port Hudson from May to July 1863.[1]

On September 1, 1863, the regiment was reorganized as the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry Regiment, which it served as through the remainder of the war.[1]: 507 

Total enlistments and casualties[]

The 4th Wisconsin Regiment initially mustered 1,058 men and later recruited an additional 994 men, for a total of 2,052 men during its service. The regiment lost 9 officers and 158 enlisted men killed in action or mortally wounds, plus another 2 officers and 113 enlisted men who died of disease, for a total of 282 fatalities.[2][3]

Commanders[]

  • Colonel Halbert E. Paine (May 27, 1861 – March 13, 1863) was promoted to brigadier general.
  • Colonel Sidney A. Bean (March 17, 1863 – May 29, 1863) was killed in action at the Battle of Port Hudson.
  • Colonel Frederick A. Boardman (June 3, 1863 – May 3, 1864) was killed in action at Comite River, Louisiana.
    • Colonel Joseph Bailey (June 1863) was designated colonel of the regiment by General Nathaniel P. Banks, but the promotion was deemed illegal. Bailey later served on Banks' staff, was promoted to brigadier general, and received an honorary brevet to major general.

Notable people[]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c Quiner, Edwin B. (1868). "Regimental History–Fourth Infantry". The Military History of Wisconsin. Clarke & Co. pp. 498–507. Retrieved August 18, 2021.
  2. ^ Beck, J. D., ed. (1907). "Part V. State and Educational Institutions & Grand Army Data" (PDF). The Blue Book of the State of Wisconsin (Report). State of Wisconsin. pp. 822–823. Retrieved August 18, 2021.
  3. ^ "Union - Wisconsin Infantry (Part 1)". Civil War Archive. Retrieved August 18, 2021.

External links[]

Further reading[]

  • Martin, Michael, A History of the 4th Wisconsin Infantry and Cavalry in the American Civil War. Savas-Beatie, 2006. ISBN 1-932714-18-9.
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