The Ninth Illinois Infantry: a Civil War history

Abstract

The Ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry served Illinois and the Union for four years during the Civil War. Originally constituted as a "three months" regiment, the Ninth was reorganized for a three-year term of duty, and it eventually served to the conclusion of the war. The regiment was composed chiefly of men from the southern Illinois counties of Madison, Montgomery, and St. Clair. Throughout its existence, however, the regiment included men from all parts of Illinois, as well as some from other states. Along with many other Illinois regiments, the Ninth participated in General Ulysses S. Grant's 1862 campaign for the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers. At Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and Corinth, the Ninth was in the thick of severe fighting. The regiment performed gallantly in these battles, faithfully carrying out orders in the heat of combat despite tremendous casualties. In 1863, owing to its dwindling ranks, the Ninth had the unique distinction of being transformed into a mounted infantry regiment. In this capacity, it took part in numerous skirmishes and small-scale engagements. During the Atlanta Campaign, in 1864, the Ninth Illinois led a column of General William T. Sherman's massive army. The regiment traveled with Sherman on the famous "March to the Sea," and continued with him through the Carolinas in 1865. Then, as its last official act, the Ninth led Sherman's army in its Grand Review at Washington, D. C.