3rd Colorado Infantry Regiment
Encyclopedia
The 3rd Colorado Infantry Regiment was an infantry
regiment
during the American Civil War
from the state of Colorado. In October 1863, the 3rd Colorado Infantry was consolidated with the 2nd Colorado Infantry Regiment
and the subsequent formation was re-designated as the 2nd Colorado Cavalry Regiment.
John Evans
began organizing the 3rd Colorado Infantry Regiment. Starting in September companies were organized under direction of the regiment's first commander Colonel William Larimer, and his deputy, Lieutenant Colonel Samuel S. Curtis. The regiment was garrisoned at Camp Weld during its training. During the regiment's formation, there was an understanding that Col. Larimer's command was temporary as the regiment's command was intended for James H. Ford, who was serving with 2nd Colorado Infantry Regiment
. However there was fierce competition for recruits in the Colorado territory and Col. Larimer was only able to raise five companies and portions of sixth. In December, Col. Larimer resigned his position in the regiment.
, Kansas
.
Infantry
Infantrymen are soldiers who are specifically trained for the role of fighting on foot to engage the enemy face to face and have historically borne the brunt of the casualties of combat in wars. As the oldest branch of combat arms, they are the backbone of armies...
regiment
Regiment
A regiment is a major tactical military unit, composed of variable numbers of batteries, squadrons or battalions, commanded by a colonel or lieutenant colonel...
during the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
from the state of Colorado. In October 1863, the 3rd Colorado Infantry was consolidated with the 2nd Colorado Infantry Regiment
2nd Colorado Infantry Regiment
The 2nd Colorado Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment during the American Civil War from the state of Colorado. On October 13, 1863 the 2nd Colorado Infantry was consolidated with the 3rd Colorado Infantry Regiment in order to create the 2nd Colorado Cavalry Regiment.-Prior to official...
and the subsequent formation was re-designated as the 2nd Colorado Cavalry Regiment.
Formation
In the fall of 1862, GovernorGovernor of Colorado
The Governor of Colorado is the head of the executive branch of Colorado's government and the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. The governor has a duty to enforce state laws, and the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Colorado General Assembly, to convene the...
John Evans
John Evans (governor)
John Evans was a U.S. politician, physician, railroad promoter, Governor of the Territory of Colorado, and namesake of Evanston, Illinois; Evans, Colorado; and Mount Evans, Colorado...
began organizing the 3rd Colorado Infantry Regiment. Starting in September companies were organized under direction of the regiment's first commander Colonel William Larimer, and his deputy, Lieutenant Colonel Samuel S. Curtis. The regiment was garrisoned at Camp Weld during its training. During the regiment's formation, there was an understanding that Col. Larimer's command was temporary as the regiment's command was intended for James H. Ford, who was serving with 2nd Colorado Infantry Regiment
2nd Colorado Infantry Regiment
The 2nd Colorado Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment during the American Civil War from the state of Colorado. On October 13, 1863 the 2nd Colorado Infantry was consolidated with the 3rd Colorado Infantry Regiment in order to create the 2nd Colorado Cavalry Regiment.-Prior to official...
. However there was fierce competition for recruits in the Colorado territory and Col. Larimer was only able to raise five companies and portions of sixth. In December, Col. Larimer resigned his position in the regiment.
Operations
On March 5, 1863, the 3rd Colorado Infantry Regiment departed Camp Weld and marched to Fort LeavenworthFort Leavenworth
Fort Leavenworth is a United States Army facility located in Leavenworth County, Kansas, immediately north of the city of Leavenworth in the upper northeast portion of the state. It is the oldest active United States Army post west of Washington, D.C. and has been in operation for over 180 years...
, Kansas
Kansas
Kansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south...
.