Illinois Regiments in the Civil War

The Civil War is an important part of American history. Though the war itself may have been complex, the most phenomenal thing may be the many men who risked their lives by simply fighting for what they believed. Illinois men were certainly no exception in the war. In fact, war fever burned high in Illinois. In April 1861, 100,000 men and boys volunteered for service in Illinois. Incredibly, this was 25,000 more than President Lincoln had requested for the entire nation. Specific regiments began forming, some much larger and more dominant than others. The Thirty-third, Seventy-third, and Fifty-fifth regiments were all formed for different reasons, but they all contributed and were important to the Civil War.

When President Lincoln called for 75,000 militia to serve in the Union Army, the young men at State Normal University were more than willing. In fact, the students of the so-called Teachers College actually wanted to drop out of school and join the Army. President of the college, Charles E. Hovey, was able to convince the boys to finish school before enlisting. He also promised that when they finished school he would go with them.

So the unit, the "Normal Rifles," was formed. The Normal Rifles eventually formed the nucleus of the Thirty-third Illinois Infantry Regiment. While the men were still in school they trained under the direction of John W. White. When they graduated, Hovey, keeping his promise, set out to form a regiment of students, teachers, and other educators. Though the idea was well received, President Lincoln was unsure. It was early in the war, and he was not sure large numbers of soldiers would be needed. He also saw a definite need for teachers.

• 7th Illinois Infantry Regiment Three Month and Three Year Service 
• 12th Illinois Infantry Three Months Service
• 12th Illinois Infantry Three Year Service
• 48th Illinois Infantry Dyer's Regimental History