10th Louisiana Infantry Regiment (African Descent)

The 10th Louisiana Infantry Regiment (African Descent), later reorganized as the 8th United States Colored Infantry, was a regiment of the Union Army during the American Civil War. Recruited primarily from formerly enslaved African Americans in Louisiana, it served in the Department of the Gulf, participating in several engagements throughout Louisiana and Mississippi.

The regiment was initially formed in 1863 and saw action in skirmishes and expeditions designed to disrupt Confederate supply lines and recruit more soldiers. The unit faced the typical prejudice of the time, often receiving inferior equipment and facing skepticism from white officers and soldiers. Despite these challenges, the men of the 10th Louisiana demonstrated courage and commitment in battle.

In 1864, the regiment was reorganized and redesignated as the 8th United States Colored Infantry (USCI). Under this new designation, they continued to serve in the Department of the Gulf, participating in actions around Morganza, Louisiana, and other locations. They played a vital role in maintaining Union control over captured territory and assisting in the ongoing war effort.

Following the end of the Civil War, the 8th USCI was mustered out of service. The service of the men who served in the 10th Louisiana (African Descent)/8th USCI contributed to the Union victory and to the eventual recognition of African Americans as citizens of the United States. Their service helped to challenge racist assumptions and pave the way for further advancements in civil rights. Records pertaining to individual soldiers can often be found in National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) resources, pension files, and state archives.