Organization
The Twenty Third Wisconsin Infantry Regiment (23rd Wisconsin Infantry Regiment) organized at Camp Randall, Madison, Wisconsin, and mustered into the service of the United States on August 30, 1862. After, they left Wisconsin on September 15 for Covington, KY.
Active Duty
On arrival, they were assigned to active duty and participated in various expeditions against the Confederates in north central Kentucky. On November 19, the regiment left from Louisville for Memphis, traveling to Tennessee for the advance down the river against Vicksburg. They reached Milliken's Bend, LA, on December 24, 1862.
They took part in various expeditions in the area, including the advance against Arkansas Post and Fort Hindman from January 10 to 11, 1863. In February, they were a part of the force engaged in the Cypress Bend, AR Expedition. In March and April, they accompanied expeditions into Mississippi, and advanced with General Grants forces to Grand Gulf.
On April 30, they crossed the Mississippi River and marched to Port Gibson. There, they took part in the battle of Port Gibson on May 1, 1863. This battle was followed by the engagement at Raymond on May 12, the battle of Champions Hill on May 16, and Big Black River Bridge on May 17.
With other Union forces, the regiment took their place in the rear entrenchments of Vicksburg and participated in the siege of that place May 19 to July 4, 1863, when Vicksburg was surrendered. The day after the surrender they joined the forces in the campaign against Jackson, MS, July 5-25.
In August, the 23rd transferred to Louisiana and was with the expedition against Opelousas. Also, they were a part of the force operating in the Teche Country, LA, from October 3 to November 30, 1863. In December, the 23rd transferred to southern Louisiana and was assigned to the force taking part in the expedition to Texas.
On December 23, they landed at Matagorda Bay, TX and established camp. Then, in late February 1864, they returned to southern Louisiana and participated in the Red River Campaign from March 10 to May 22, 1864. They were with the troops accompanying Farragut on his campaign against the outer defenses of Mobile in August 1864. In September and until the early part of 1865, the regiment engaged in various minor campaigns in Louisiana and southern Mississippi.
In March 1865, they joined a part of the Union forces under General Canby. With them, the 23rd returned to Mobile and participated in the Mobile Campaign from March 17 to May 4, 1865. During this period, they took part in the investment and reduction of Spanish Fort and the capture of Fort Blakely April 9, 1865.
After, the regiment remained in southern Alabama and Mississippi until July 4, 1865, when they mustered out. Later, they returned to Madison, Wis., July 16 and was disbanded July 24, 1865.
Casualties
The 23rd Infantry lost an officer and 40 men to mortal wounds, and 5 officers and men to disease.
For Further Research
Search our collections for photos and artifacts from Wisconsin in the Civil War. Read about other Wisconsin Civil War regiments. For detailed regimental histories of the U.S. Civil War, consult the Frederick H. Dyer, Compendium of the War of the Rebellion: Regimental Histories.
The histories above, unless otherwise noted, are adopted from Charles E. Estabrook, ed., Records and Sketches of Military Organizations, (Madison, 1914).