Guide to Louisiana Confederate
Military Units, 1861 – 1865
By Arthur W. Bergernon, Jr.
Baton Rouge, LA: Louisiana State
University Press, 1989
During the Civil War, the state of Louisiana furnished 111 artillery, cavalry, and infantry units to the armies of the Confederate States of America. These units served in every theatre of the war and performed gallantly in numerous battles and engagements.
Many of my family members served in
Louisiana units during the Civil War. When I write about their service I like
to give as many details as possible. Many of those family members were young farmers
who had never traveled far from their rural homes. When and where did they
enlist? Where did their units go? What military actions were they involved in?
Did the units return safely?
This book answers many of my
questions. It is divided into three main sections: Artillery, Cavalry and
Infantry. Within those sections regiments are detailed in numerical order with
lists of companies, names of commanders and details of their activities during
the war. Battles, illnesses, captures and surrenders are detailed.
This book does not list the soldiers
within the regiments. I suggest the use of fold3 to discover that data.
We know that companies were formed
in local areas and were composed of neighbors and family members. In uncovering
the history of a company it often relates to multiple family members. For
example, Louisiana’s Cavalry unit, 3rd Regiment, Wingfield’s was
composed of several soldiers related to me. Companies A, C & K were formed
in Washington Parish and I have Alford, Brock and Brumfield family members who
served together. This book tells me the regiment operated in eastern Louisiana
and southwestern Mississippi. They surrendered in Gainesville, Alabama on 8 May
1865.
I also found the units for my Dillon
and Fortenberry soldiers. In all, six different Louisiana units contained men
from my family tree.
Although this book is no longer in
print I was able to find it through Amazon Marketplace and Texas Book
Consignments. The dust jacket is worn but the hardcover, 229-page book is in
great condition. If it would be helpful to you look for a library copy and
enjoy.
I wish I had a similar book for
Mississippi units in the Civil War.
At the top of this blog, click on My Library for many more books that I have found useful for genealogical & historical research.
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- Book. Mastering Genealogical Proof & Mastering Genealogical Documentation
- Book. The Formation of the North Carolina Counties, 1663 - 1943
