37th Illinois Infantry Regiment

The 37th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, nicknamed the "Fremont Rifles" and "Illinois Greyhounds", was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Distinguished by its high mobility and advanced weaponry, the regiment participated in every major campaign of the Trans-Mississippi and Gulf, from early battles in Missouri to the post-war occupation of Texas.^[1]

The 37th Illinois Infantry was organized at Chicago, Illinois, and mustered into Federal service on September 18, 1861, for 3 Year Service. The regiment was uniquely armed: 8 companies were equipped with Springfield Model 1861 rifles, while 2 companies and their NCOs were equipped with Colt's New Model Revolving Rifles, providing the unit with superior firepower. The companies, their primary location of recruitment, and their captain are as follows:

At the Battle of Pea Ridge, the 37th Illinois played a crucial role in the Union Victory there by repelling a Confederate attack that outnumbered them. Utilizing their Colt's Revolving rifles, the regiment's two flanking companies delivered a relentless volume of fire that shattered the momentum of the southern assault and resulted in the deaths of Confederate Generals McCulloch and McIntosh directly on their frontlines.^[1]

Although the regiment sustained 135 casualties, including a severe arm wound to John C. Black, they maintained their position through two days of combat, eventually joining the final bayonet charge that drove Sterling Price's Army, securing a victory for the Union. Colonel Julius White was promoted to Brigadier General for his Gallantry^[1]

In December 1862, the regiment performed a forced march to relieve General Blunt, covering 112 miles in three days, double-quicking the final 10 miles, to take part in the Battle of Prairie Grove. During the engagement, Colonel John C. Black was wounded when he commanded the regiment, his other arm being shattered again after one arm was in a sling from Pea Ridge.^[1]

In 1863, the 37th Illinois took part in the Siege of Vicksburg, occupying a crucial position on the south side of the city near the river. Following the city's surrender on July 4th, the regiment participated in the capture of Yazoo City and Operations in Louisiana.^[1]

The regiment was later sent to the Rio Grande to guard the Texas border at Brownsville. In February 1864, the men re-enlisted as veterans. During the Red River Campaign, the unit gained fame for constructing a "Steamboat Ridge" over the Atchafalaya Bayou, allowing Nathaniel P. Banks's army to escape from Confederate Pursuit.^[1]

In early 1865, the 37th Illinois joined the campaign against Mobile, Alabama. On April 1865, the same day Robert E. Lee Surrendered at Appomattox, the regiment participated in the Battle of Fort Blakely. After a hard-fought charge, they captured the Fort and 1,200 prisoners.^[1]

Following the fall of Mobile, the regiment moved to Montgomery and Selma before being ordered to Texas for occupation duty. Stationed at Houston, the regiment's companies were scattered across various railroad hubs to maintain order.^[1]

The regiment was mustered out on August 15, 1865, but it did not reach Springfield, Illinois, for final discharge uni. May 31st, 1866.^[1]

The regiment suffered 7 officers and 91 enlisted men who were killed in action or who died of their wounds and 5 officers and 164 enlisted men who died of disease, for a total of 267 fatalities.^[2]

• Colonel Julius White – mustered on September 18, 1861; promoted to brigadier general on June 9, 1862.^[3]
• Colonel Myron S. Barnes – dismissed on disability on November 20, 1862.^[3]
• Colonel John C. Black – resigned August 15, 1866 (as brigadier general).^[3]
• Colonel Ransom Kennicott – mustered out with the regiment (as lieutenant colonel).^[3]

• List of Illinois Civil War Units
• Illinois in the American Civil War

• Arnold, Bruce Makoto. "A Horse to Live and a Greyhound to Die: Early Civil War Experiences of Robert and James Thompson." Details the lives of two brothers, one of whom served in the 37th Illinois.[1]