Country United States Branch Infantry | Allegiance Union | |
 | ||
Active September 3, 1861 to December 6, 1865 Engagements Battle of Port Gibson
Battle of Champion Hill
Battle of Big Black River
Siege of Vicksburg | ||
The 33rd Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry (nicknamed the "Normal Regiment" or the "Brains Regiment") was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the Civil War. It fought mainly in the states bordering the Mississippi River, and at the decisive fall of Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Contents
Service
The 33rd Illinois Infantry was organized at Camp Butler, Illinois and mustered into federal service on September 3, 1861. It was mainly made up of McLean County volunteers. One battalion of the 33rd fought throughout the Mississippi Valley, distinguishing itself at the fall of Vicksburg, where 11 of its 32 members died in the battle.
The regiment was mustered out on November 24, 1865; and finally discharged December 6, 1865 at Chicago.
Total strength and casualties
The regiment suffered the loss of two officers and 56 enlisted men who were killed in action or who died of their wounds; and one officer and 250 enlisted men who died of disease, giving a total of 309 war fatalities.
Commanders
Regimental band
The regiment created a 17-piece band whose members served the unit by playing music, on the battlefield as well as off. They were led by C.S. Elder and Augustus Woodward, both from Lexington, Illinois. Their initial public performance took place at Illinois State Normal University (later to become Illinois State University) in August 1861. "...the band’s music entertained and comforted the soldiers, led them into battle and often accompanied them to their death..."