The Assault on Fort Blakely - 2019
37th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company E.
The 37th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry mustered in on September 18, 1861 near Chicago, Illinois. They left for St. Louis shortly after, reporting to General Fremont, they were also known as “The Fremont Rifles”.
The men of the 37th Illinois hailed from Northern Illinois. However, due to heavy casualties the 37th Illinois would be reinforced by men from the 97th Illinois, (The Alton Regiment) who would continue to serve with the 37th until the regiment mustered out in Galveston, Texas in 1866. The 37th Illinois saw action at Pea Ridge, Siege of Vicksburg, Spanish Fort, and Ft. Blakely.
Four men of the 37th Illinois would receive the Medal of Honor:
The Alton Jaeger Guard had the honor of portraying Co. E. of the 37th Illinois Volunteers. Lieutenant Thomas Payne received his Medal of Honor for his actions at Ft. Blakely while serving as acting commander of the company; “While serving with Company E, 37th Illinois Infantry, in action at Fort Blakely, Alabama. While acting Regimental Quartermaster, learning of an expected assault, First Lieutenant Payne requested assignment to a company that had no commissioned officers present; was so assigned, and was one of the first to lead his men into the enemy's works.”
The Battle of Ft. Blakely, taking place from April 2-9, 1865, was one of the last major engagements of the Civil War, with the main assault and many casualties occurring after Robert E Lee surrendered his troops to U.S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse. The brave men of the 37th, unaware of the Confederate surrender in Virginia made a gallant assault against Redoubt No. 4, successfully capturing the position, and with support from other units, Ft. Blakely fell.
Members of the Alton Jaegers had the honor of occupying and digging in the original trenches and rifle pits dug by the original men of the 37th Illinois. It was a transcendental experience for many of our members that will never be forgotten. Many of the photos courtesy of Tom George Davidson.Click here to edit
The men of the 37th Illinois hailed from Northern Illinois. However, due to heavy casualties the 37th Illinois would be reinforced by men from the 97th Illinois, (The Alton Regiment) who would continue to serve with the 37th until the regiment mustered out in Galveston, Texas in 1866. The 37th Illinois saw action at Pea Ridge, Siege of Vicksburg, Spanish Fort, and Ft. Blakely.
Four men of the 37th Illinois would receive the Medal of Honor:
- John C. Black
- William P. Black
- Welis H. Blodgett
- Thomas Payne
The Alton Jaeger Guard had the honor of portraying Co. E. of the 37th Illinois Volunteers. Lieutenant Thomas Payne received his Medal of Honor for his actions at Ft. Blakely while serving as acting commander of the company; “While serving with Company E, 37th Illinois Infantry, in action at Fort Blakely, Alabama. While acting Regimental Quartermaster, learning of an expected assault, First Lieutenant Payne requested assignment to a company that had no commissioned officers present; was so assigned, and was one of the first to lead his men into the enemy's works.”
The Battle of Ft. Blakely, taking place from April 2-9, 1865, was one of the last major engagements of the Civil War, with the main assault and many casualties occurring after Robert E Lee surrendered his troops to U.S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse. The brave men of the 37th, unaware of the Confederate surrender in Virginia made a gallant assault against Redoubt No. 4, successfully capturing the position, and with support from other units, Ft. Blakely fell.
Members of the Alton Jaegers had the honor of occupying and digging in the original trenches and rifle pits dug by the original men of the 37th Illinois. It was a transcendental experience for many of our members that will never be forgotten. Many of the photos courtesy of Tom George Davidson.Click here to edit
Some photos credit to Tom George Davidson Photography.
