John C Rigdon

Historical Sketch And Roster Of The Minnesota 1st Heavy Artillery Regiment John C Rigdon

The 1st Minnesota Heavy Artillery mustered in at St. Paul, and Rochester, Minnesota, between November 1864 and February 1865. The regiment was assigned as part of the garrison, in charge of the heavy guns and forts, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, for its entire career and saw no combat action. This was a responsible position, as it was thought General Hood would endeavor the retake of the city. The regiment remained there until the war closed. The 1st Minnesota "Heavies" were mustered out of service on September 27, 1865. The last surviving veteran of the American Civil War from either side, Albert Woolson, was a member of the regiment. 87 enlisted men died of disease. Total fatalities were 87. Many of the officers were recruited from discharged veteran sergeants of the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment and corporals from the 3rd Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 4th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and 5th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment. It was composed of twelve companies, each containing 140 men, besides the officers.