Union 11th Indiana Infantry

By Crusader1307

Also known as The 11th Indiana Zouaves – The Regiment was formed in early 1861, in response to the start of The American Civil War. Originally, The 11th was a ''90-Day'' Unit, signing enlistment documents for the supposed short term duration of The War. After this period, a vast majority of The Regiment did NOT rejoin. Subsequently, a ''new'' 11th was formed (but maintained their French Zouave image). The Regiment was first Commanded by none other than future Author (then Colonel, and later General) Lew Wallace (of ''Ben Hur'' fame). Originally sent to The Army of The Ohio, later Cumberland and finally The Army of The Gulf, The 11th fought in (9) major Western Campaigns – to include the capture of Forts Henry and Donelson (1862).

Their last major battle of The Siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi (1863). The engagement wore heavy on The 11th, which suffered 35% casualties. Survivors were re-deployed to Washington DC as Fortress Garrison soldiers, where they finished The War (1865).