The Seventh Cavalry was organized at Camp Butler, near Springfield, Illinois, and mustered into the United States service October 13, 1861.
At LaGrange the Sixth and Seventh Illinois and the Second Iowa were brigaded together under Colonel B.H. Grierson of Jacksonville Illinois*. They made frequent forages into West Tennessee, relieving the rebel inhabitants of many fine horses and mules, which were abundant in that region. The rebel Colonel Richardson was conscripting every able bodied man and sending all the serviceable animals to the rebel army. His camp was frequently broken up by Colonel Grierson. His quartermaster was captured at one time and he himself narrowly escaped capture, being wounded in the leg.

On the 17th of April, the Seventh started with the Brigade on what is best known as "Grierson's Raid." Probably no movement in the war so clearly and unmistakably illustrated the dash, courage, hardihood and power of endurance of Illinois soldiers as this raid. The country traversed by this little force was in many places almost impassable, owing to swamps and bayous, and it swarmed with rebel troops. Not a day passed that they were not in danger of being cut off and annihilated. Swinging loose from all communications, destroying everything behind them so that return was impossible, they gallantly made their way to Baton Rouge.

Also look for other Grierson history relative to “The Buffalo Soldiers” and UGRR activity I his home in Jacksonville.

Many Illinoisan's (250,000 in all) served in the civil war, including African Americans. Consultant Bennie McRae, reports that only one all black regiment was organized in the state, Quincy, Illinois. It was organized April 24th, 1864. The 29th participated in the Richmond/Petersburg Campaign, and was at the Appomattox on April 9, 1865 when Lee surrendered. This unit was mustered out of service on November 6, 1865 at Brownsville, Texas. Until spring of 2002 the colors of the 29th hung inside a hallway of a State office building. It, along with a collection of other Civil War battle flags are slowly disintegrating. The flags are now located at the Illinois National Guard & Militia Historical Society (1301 N. McArthur Blvd. Sprinfield, Ill) . Anyone interested in joining us in a campaign to save the 29th's flag, please contact Freedom Trails. (see two flags shown on this page)

Other US Colored regiments are listed on here and also here.

Aside from the 29th, a number of other men from Illinois went to other states to enlist. One was Andrew Jackson Smith who left Illinois and went to Massachusetts and enlisted in the 55th Massachusetts volunteer Infantry. In 2001, President Clinton honored Sgt. Smith posthumously for his battlefield bravery. He earned his medal in a battle at honey hill, S.C. on Nov. 30 1864 when he saved the flag and made himself a target to preserve his unit’s honor. Smith was still alive when he was recommended for the Medal of Honor.

African American Civil war dead are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Carbondale and at the Union Church cemetery in Carrier Mills (the Lake ”Pond” View Settlement) as well as other sites in the state. {Note: Pictures Available}

The first Black regiments officially mustered into the Union Army are as
follows:

1 - 1st Regiment Louisiana Native Guards -- 27 September 1862
2 - 2nd Regiment Louisiana Native Guards -- 12 October 1862
3 - 3rd Regiment Louisiana Native Guards -- 24 November 1862
4 - 1st Regiment South Carolina Colored Volunteers -- January 1863
5 - 1st Regiment Kansas Colored Volunteers -- January 1863
6 - 4th Regiment Louisiana Native Guards -- February 1863

The 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers were organized and mustered in
during March 1863. The 55th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers were organized
and mustered in during May 1863.