7th Louisiana Infantry Regiment (Confederate)

The 7th Louisiana Infantry Regiment was a Confederate States Army unit formed in Louisiana during the American Civil War. It served primarily in the Western Theater, seeing action in numerous major battles and campaigns.

Formation and Organization:

The 7th Louisiana Infantry was organized in May and June 1861. Its companies were recruited from various parishes throughout Louisiana, including East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Iberville, Ascension, Assumption, and Lafourche. Early commanders included Colonel Harry T. Hays.

Service History:

Initially, the regiment served in the Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana. Its early engagements included skirmishes and minor actions in the region. As the war progressed, the 7th Louisiana became part of the Army of Tennessee.

The regiment participated in significant battles such as:

• Shiloh (April 1862): The 7th Louisiana fought bravely at Shiloh, suffering heavy casualties.
• Perryville (October 1862): Another major battle where the regiment saw intense fighting.
• Stones River/Murfreesboro (December 1862 - January 1863): The 7th Louisiana participated in the brutal fighting along the Stones River.
• Chickamauga (September 1863): The regiment played a role in the Confederate victory at Chickamauga.
• Chattanooga Campaign (1863): Including battles like Missionary Ridge.
• Atlanta Campaign (1864): A long and arduous campaign during which the regiment was constantly engaged.
• Franklin-Nashville Campaign (1864): The 7th Louisiana participated in the Confederate attempt to retake Tennessee.

Consolidation and Surrender:

Due to heavy losses throughout the war, the 7th Louisiana Infantry was consolidated with other Louisiana regiments at various points. By the end of the war, it was often serving as part of a larger consolidated unit.

The remnants of the 7th Louisiana Infantry surrendered with the Army of Tennessee at Bennett Place, North Carolina, in April 1865.

Casualties:

The 7th Louisiana Infantry suffered significant casualties throughout the war. Disease, desertion, and combat losses greatly reduced its numbers. Like many Confederate units, it entered the war with a high number of volunteers but ended with only a fraction of its original strength.

Legacy:

The 7th Louisiana Infantry Regiment represents the contributions and sacrifices made by Louisiana soldiers during the Civil War. Its battle record demonstrates its participation in some of the war's most significant campaigns and battles in the Western Theater. The regiment's history is a reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the lasting impact it had on the South.