John C Rigdon

Historical Sketch And Roster of The Arkansas 2nd Cavalry Regiment (Union) John C Rigdon

Although Arkansas joined the Confederate States of America in 1861, not all of its citizens supported secession. Arkansas formed some 48 infantry regiments to serve in the Confederate Army, but also formed another 11 regiments that served in the Union Army. The 2nd Arkansas Cavalry was organized at Helena, Arkansas and Pilot Knob, Missouri and mustered into Federal service in July 1862. It was made up of men from both Arkansas and Missouri. The regiment mostly saw quite a bit of scouting action during the war, but they were also engaged in a couple of fairly large battles. The regiment included 2 women, Mandy C. Johnson, F& S and Sarah Minton in Company D. Nearly 40 men were killed in an ambush at Richland Creek on May 3, 1864. Our records indicate 203 men died in the war. The regiment was mustered out August 20, 1865. Men from Phillips County, Arkansas and Iron County, Missouri enlisted in this regiment. Company D was mustered in February 19, 1864 at Springfield, Missouri by Captain John C. Bailey and was comprised generally of personnel from Newton and Carroll Counties in Arkansas. Battles: Jefferson City, Booneville, Lexington, Big Blue, Osage and Newtonia.