53rd Massachusetts
What's New? Intro Sources Service Details Rosters Newspapers, Letters, & Diaries Links

19th Corps: The Army of the Gulf

The Army of the Gulf, Major General Nathaniel P. Banks commanding, conducted the siege and capture of Port Hudson, Louisiana in the spring and early summer of 1863. The history of the campaign is told in the book The Port Hudson Campaign, 1862 - 1863, by Edward Cunningham, published by the Lousiana State University Press.



Sources

In September, 1997 I obtained a copy of the 1889 Regimental History of the 53rd, and will be adding much new information from this source, especially the entire regimental roster, which is now complete. Thanks to Sally and Donald McClintock of Hanover, PA for finding this book and bringing it to my attention!

Also, Richard Chaisson of Athol, MA has sent me a large collection of newspaper clippings related to the 53rd, dating from 1873 to the 1920s. Some interesting tidbits from these will be added as time permits.

8/29/1999   I have just returned from a trip to Louisiana, during which I visited the area of the Bayou Teche Campaign and the Port Hudson site. I obtained lots of good primary source information which I hope to use on the web site here.



The 53rd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry was organized at Groton, Mass., October 17 to November 6, 1862. ** John W. Kimball, Colonel; George H. Barrett, Lieutenant Colonel and James A. Pratt, Major ** Duty in New York, November 1862 to January 17, 1863 ** Served in the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 19th Corps, February 3 to August 12, 1863.

Service

A brief history of the 53rd Massachusetts, taken from History of Massachusetts in the Civil War by Willaim Schouler, Boston, E. P. Dutton and Co., 1868.

 Field Officers and Staff of the 53rd.

 Units comprising the Army of the Gulf as of April 30, 1863.

  Units of the Confederate Garrison at the Surrender of Port Hudson.

Regimental Rosters, 53rd Massachusetts Volunteers.

Company Rosters, 53rd Massachusetts Volunteers.

Be sure to visit the company rosters to find links to some individuals' information.

Here's an updated list of CDVs available for viewing.

Check here to see photos of several company/corps badges, probably worn at GAR functions.

Links to other sites related to Port Hudson, the 53rd, and other Massachusetts Regiments.

      
         Sons of Union Veterans
of the Civil War


What's New? Intro Sources Service Details Rosters Newspapers, Letters, & Diaries Links

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Compiled by Walter G. Blenderman;

Created 10/19/96; Updated 3/14/2005, 1/7/2006, 7/6/2007, 7/9/2008, 6/18/2012, 6/28/2013 (site), 7/6/2014, 1/18/2023

Count since 7/17/2004