1st Tennessee Cavalry Regiment (Union)

The 1st Tennessee Cavalry Regiment (Union) was a cavalry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized in East Tennessee, a region with significant Unionist sentiment, the regiment saw extensive action throughout the war, primarily in the Western Theater.

Formation and Organization:

Recruitment for the regiment began in late 1862 and early 1863. Men from various East Tennessee counties, including Knox, Blount, and Sevier, enlisted. The regiment was officially mustered into service in the spring of 1863. Officers were generally men with local standing and Unionist sympathies.

Service History:

The 1st Tennessee Cavalry participated in numerous campaigns and skirmishes, including:

• Knoxville Campaign (1863): The regiment played a role in the defense of Knoxville against Confederate forces under General James Longstreet.
• Atlanta Campaign (1864): The regiment engaged in scouting, raiding, and skirmishing during Sherman's advance on Atlanta.
• Franklin-Nashville Campaign (1864): The 1st Tennessee Cavalry participated in operations against Confederate General John Bell Hood's army in Tennessee.
• Stoneman's Raids: The regiment often served under General George Stoneman in his cavalry raids into Confederate territory.

The regiment was known for its scouting abilities and effectiveness in partisan warfare. They frequently operated in areas familiar to them, leveraging their local knowledge.

Notable Engagements:

While involved in many smaller engagements, some notable actions include:

• Blue Springs (1863): A significant early battle in which the regiment participated.

Mustering Out:

The 1st Tennessee Cavalry Regiment (Union) was mustered out of service at the end of the Civil War, primarily in the late summer and early fall of 1865. Many of the veterans returned to their homes in East Tennessee.

Legacy:

The 1st Tennessee Cavalry Regiment (Union) stands as a testament to the strong Unionist sentiment present in East Tennessee during the Civil War. The regiment's service highlights the internal divisions within the state and the sacrifices made by Tennesseans who fought for the Union cause. Records pertaining to the regiment, including muster rolls, correspondence, and pension applications, are valuable resources for genealogical and historical research.