Country United States | Branch Infantry | |
Active December 14, 1863 to March 31, 1866 Allegiance United States of America
Union | ||
The Second Missouri Regiment of Colored Infantry was African-American infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Redesignated as the 65th Regiment of U.S. Colored Troops on March 11, 1864.
Contents
Service
Attached to Dept. of Missouri to June 1864. Provisional Brigade, District of Morganza, La., Dept. of the Gulf, to September 1864. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, United States Colored Troops, District of Morganza, Dept. of the Gulf, to February 1865. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, United States Colored Troops, District of Morganza, La., Dept. of the Gulf, to May 1865. Northern District of Louisiana and Dept. of the Gulf to January 1867.
Detailed Service
Garrison duty at Morganza, La., until May 1865. Ordered to Port Hudson, La. Garrison duty there and at Baton Rouge and in Northern District of Louisiana until January 1867. Mustered out January 8, 1867.
Founding of Lincoln University
One of the soldiers' most important achievements came at the end of the war. Between duties, and after the termination of hostilities, soldiers of the 62nd and 65th U.S. Colored Troops had been learning to read and write. The troops of the two regiments agreed that they wished to continue their studies as civilians. The soldiers and their officers signed resolutions pledging to work to establish a school "for the special benefit of free blacks". Troops of the 65th U.S.C.T. were energetic in working towards this goal, raising $1,300 to support the establishment of the planned educational institution. This effort eventually lead to the opening of the Lincoln Institute (now Lincoln University) in Jefferson City, Missouri on September 16, 1866. and http://adamarenson.com/the-great-heart-of-the-republic/errata/
Total strength and casualties
Regiment lost during service 6 Officers and 49 Enlisted men by disease.