The 97th Illinois Infantry was a regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment was formed on September 19, 1862, in Camp Butler, Illinois, and consisted of men from various counties in the state. The 97th Illinois Infantry was mustered into service for a term of three years and was assigned to the XIII Corps of the Union Army.
Organization and Early Service
The 97th Illinois Infantry was organized under the command of Colonel Francis H. Fowler, with Lieutenant Colonel Charles M. Gilbert and Major John S. Wilcox as his second and third in command, respectively. The regiment spent its early months in training and preparation for combat, with the majority of its time spent in Missouri and Arkansas. In January 1863, the regiment was assigned to the District of Eastern Arkansas, where it participated in several skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Arkansas Post.
Battles and Campaigns
The 97th Illinois Infantry participated in several notable battles and campaigns during the war, including the Siege of Vicksburg, the Red River Campaign, and the Battle of Spanish Fort. In May 1863, the regiment was part of the Union forces that besieged the Confederate stronghold at Vicksburg, Mississippi. The regiment played a key role in the siege, with its men engaging in several skirmishes and battles with Confederate forces. After the fall of Vicksburg, the regiment was assigned to the XVII Corps and participated in several campaigns in Louisiana and Texas.
| Battle | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Battle of Arkansas Post | January 9-11, 1863 | Arkansas County, Arkansas |
| Siege of Vicksburg | May 18-July 4, 1863 | Warren County, Mississippi |
| Red River Campaign | March 10-May 22, 1864 | Louisiana and Texas |
| Battle of Spanish Fort | March 27-April 8, 1865 | Baldwin County, Alabama |
Lifetime and Legacy
The 97th Illinois Infantry was mustered out of service on July 29, 1865, in Galveston, Texas. During its three years of service, the regiment lost 144 men to combat and 224 to disease. The regiment’s legacy is one of bravery and sacrifice, with its men playing a significant role in the Union victory in the Civil War. Today, the 97th Illinois Infantry is remembered as one of the many regiments that fought to preserve the Union and end the institution of slavery.
Notable Members
The 97th Illinois Infantry had several notable members, including Colonel Francis H. Fowler, who commanded the regiment for much of its service, and Lieutenant Colonel Charles M. Gilbert, who played a key role in the regiment’s early days. Other notable members include Captain John S. Wilcox, who was wounded at the Battle of Vicksburg, and Sergeant William H. Shaw, who received a commendation for his bravery at the Battle of Spanish Fort.
- Colonel Francis H. Fowler: Commander of the 97th Illinois Infantry
- Lieutenant Colonel Charles M. Gilbert: Second in command of the 97th Illinois Infantry
- Captain John S. Wilcox: Wounded at the Battle of Vicksburg
- Sergeant William H. Shaw: Received a commendation for his bravery at the Battle of Spanish Fort
What was the 97th Illinois Infantry’s role in the Civil War?
+The 97th Illinois Infantry played a significant role in the Civil War, participating in several notable battles and campaigns, including the Siege of Vicksburg and the Red River Campaign. The regiment was part of the XIII Corps and later the XVII Corps, and its men engaged in several skirmishes and battles with Confederate forces.
What were some of the notable battles fought by the 97th Illinois Infantry?
+The 97th Illinois Infantry fought in several notable battles, including the Battle of Arkansas Post, the Siege of Vicksburg, the Red River Campaign, and the Battle of Spanish Fort. The regiment’s performance at these battles was notable, with its men playing a key role in the Union victory.
What was the 97th Illinois Infantry’s legacy?
+The 97th Illinois Infantry’s legacy is one of bravery and sacrifice, with its men playing a significant role in the Union victory in the Civil War. The regiment’s performance at several notable battles and campaigns, including the Siege of Vicksburg and the Red River Campaign, was notable, and its men were commended for their bravery and discipline.
