The 24th Iowa Infantry Regimental History

The 24th Iowa Infantry: A Story of Valor and Sacrifice

The 24th Iowa Infantry Regiment was a distinguished unit in the Union Army during the American Civil War, earning recognition for its tenacity, courage, and battlefield accomplishments. From the rugged landscapes of Arkansas to the blood-soaked fields of Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley, the regiment’s journey was one of sacrifice, heroism, and steadfast commitment to preserving the Union. As the Research Arsenal continues its mission of digitizing and preserving historical documents, it is essential to explore the incredible service history of this regiment and bring to light the experiences of the soldiers who fought under its banner.

Iowa and the Call to Arms

When President Abraham Lincoln called for seventy-five thousand volunteers on April 15, 1861, Iowa responded with overwhelming enthusiasm. Over the course of the war, more than 76,000 Iowans enlisted, comprising forty-eight infantry regiments, nine cavalry regiments, and four artillery batteries. Among these, the 24th Iowa Infantry stood out not only for its service record but for its unique character as the “Iowa Temperance Regiment.” Organized by Colonel Eber C. Byam, a Methodist minister, the regiment was composed primarily of men from east-central Iowa, many of whom adhered to strict temperance principles. These soldiers were not driven by the pursuit of adventure or glory but by a deep sense of duty and patriotism.

Formation and Early Campaigns

The 24th Iowa Infantry was officially mustered into service on September 18, 1862, at Muscatine, Iowa. Soon after, the regiment was dispatched to Helena, Arkansas, where it endured its first winter in harsh and inhospitable conditions. Disease ran rampant in camp, taking a heavy toll on the regiment before it ever saw combat. Despite these hardships, the men of the 24th Iowa remained resolute, eager to prove themselves on the battlefield.

Their first significant action came in November 1862 when they participated in an expedition to Arkansas Post. The mission tested the regiment’s endurance as it navigated swamps, riverbanks, and difficult terrain while facing Confederate resistance. This early campaign provided invaluable combat experience and hardened the men for the trials ahead.

The Vicksburg Campaign and Champion’s Hill

The 24th Iowa’s defining moment came in the Vicksburg Campaign of 1863. After securing victories at Port Gibson and Fourteen Mile Creek, the regiment found itself at the heart of the Battle of Champion’s Hill on May 16. In one of the most ferocious engagements of the campaign, the 24th Iowa held its position against relentless Confederate attacks.

One soldier later recounted the terrifying experience of reloading his musket while kneeling beside fallen comrades, the sounds of cannon fire and rifle volleys deafening his ears. The battle resulted in heavy casualties, but the regiment’s stand helped pave the way for the Union’s successful siege of Vicksburg, culminating in the city’s surrender on July 4, 1863.

Western Louisiana and the Red River Campaign

After the fall of Vicksburg, the 24th Iowa was reassigned to operations in Louisiana, where it took part in the Western Louisiana Campaign and later the ill-fated Red River Campaign of 1864. At the Battle of Sabine Cross Roads on April 8, the regiment was caught in a desperate fight against superior Confederate forces. One officer described the horror of seeing his men cut down as they tried to form defensive lines amidst the chaos.

The very next day, at the Battle of Pleasant Hill, the 24th Iowa played a critical role in repelling Confederate advances. A soldier’s letter described the eerie calm before the battle, followed by the thunderous clash of musket fire and cannonade as the enemy charged. Despite the disorganized retreat at Sabine Cross Roads, the regiment’s determined stand at Pleasant Hill helped prevent a complete disaster.

Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign

In the summer of 1864, the 24th Iowa was transferred to the Army of the Shenandoah under General Philip Sheridan. The regiment fought in several key battles, including the Battle of Opequan (Winchester) on September 19, where they played a crucial role in breaking Confederate lines. A diary entry from a soldier describes the exhaustion and exhilaration of battle, detailing how the men advanced through smoke-filled fields as bullets whizzed past them.

Three days later, at Fisher’s Hill, the regiment again proved its worth, storming Confederate defenses in a coordinated assault. But it was the Battle of Cedar Creek on October 19 that would become one of the regiment’s most dramatic moments. In the early morning, Confederate forces launched a surprise attack, sending the Union army into chaos. The 24th Iowa, initially caught off guard, quickly regrouped as General Sheridan arrived to rally the troops. Their counterattack, described by a survivor as “a storm of bayonets and bullets,” helped turn the tide of the battle and secured a decisive Union victory.

Final Campaigns and the End of the War

As the war neared its conclusion, the 24th Iowa was assigned to occupation duties in Savannah, Georgia. Though far from the front lines, the regiment’s presence was essential in maintaining order in the war-torn South. The men who had fought through the swamps of Louisiana and the valleys of Virginia now found themselves patrolling quiet streets and overseeing the transition to peacetime governance.

On July 17, 1865, the regiment was officially mustered out of service. Their journey home was bittersweet—while they had survived the war, they had lost many comrades along the way. The regiment had suffered 9 officers and 119 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded, with an additional 3 officers and 212 men lost to disease, totaling 343 casualties.

Digitizing the history of The 24th Iowa 

Even today, discoveries about the 24th Iowa Infantry continue to emerge thanks to the digitization of thousands of regimental books. The Research Arsenal has taken significant steps to preserve the history of the 24th Iowa by digitizing six regimental books from the National Archives in Washington, D.C. These books include:

1. Regimental Descriptive Book
2. Company Descriptive Book for Companies A through K
3. Regimental Order and Index Book
4. Clothing Book for Company F
5. Morning Reports for Companies A through E
6. Morning Reports for Companies F through K

By analyzing these records, historians have gained new insights into the regiment’s daily life. Recent research has revealed how often soldiers were issued gear, clothing, and equipment. For instance, in December 1863, Company F received:

• Forage Caps: 1
• Trousers: 15
• Sack Coats/Blouses: 13
• Socks: 48
• Shoes: 2
• Knit Shirts: 23
• Drawers: 42
• Wool Blankets: 12
• Rubber Blankets: 11
• Knapsack Straps: 7
• Haversacks: 6
• Canteens: 3
• Shelter Halves: 17

These records provide a fascinating glimpse into the logistical efforts required to keep an active regiment supplied. The constant need for replacement clothing and gear highlights the wear and tear of campaign life and the vast supply network that worked tirelessly behind the front lines.

Legacy and Preservation

Through the digitization of these invaluable documents, the Research Arsenal ensures that the legacy of the 24th Iowa Infantry remains accessible to researchers, historians, and descendants. These records bring the personal experiences of the soldiers to life, allowing for a deeper understanding of the regiment’s role in the Civil War.

The 24th Iowa Infantry’s history is more than just a collection of battle accounts—it is a story of endurance, brotherhood, and unwavering commitment to the Union cause. As new discoveries continue to be made, we invite history enthusiasts to explore these records and uncover their own connections to the past.

If you would like to research the digitized records of the 24th Iowa Infantry, join the Research Arsenal Community today by clicking HERE!

 

*Credit: Photo and some content came from Spared & Shared 23