What was the full designation of the military unit described in the article, and what was its primary period of service?

The military unit discussed is the 3rd Massachusetts Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment. This regiment was active from January 1863 to September 26, 1865, serving during the American Civil War.

What was the reported size of the 3rd Massachusetts Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment?

The regiment comprised a total of 1,897 personnel.

Who is identified as a notable commander of the 3rd Massachusetts Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment?

Colonel William S. Abert is noted as a prominent commander of the 3rd Massachusetts Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment.

What was the origin and initial purpose of the 3rd Massachusetts Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment?

The regiment was organized from existing, unattached companies of heavy artillery that had been raised specifically to defend the coast of Massachusetts. Its purpose was to man the military forts along the state's coastline.

When and how were the initial companies that would form the 3rd Massachusetts Regiment first mustered into service?

Beginning in January 1863 and continuing through early 1864, twelve companies of heavy artillery were raised in Massachusetts. These companies were initially mustered into service as 'unattached' units, meaning they did not belong to a specific regiment at that time.

Which specific companies of heavy artillery were ordered to Washington, D.C. in the spring of 1864, and what was the reason for this deployment?

In the spring of 1864, the 3rd Unattached Company, along with the 6th through 12th unattached companies, were ordered to Washington, D.C. Their deployment was for the purpose of garrisoning the forts that protected the nation's capital.

How were these companies assigned to brigades and divisions within the defenses of Washington D.C. in June 1864?

In June 1864, several companies were part of larger formations. The 6th through 12th and the 14th independent companies were integrated into the 3rd Brigade under Joseph A. Haskin's division. Simultaneously, the 3rd and 15th companies were part of the 2nd Brigade within Gustavus De Russy's division.

What was the process by which these unattached companies officially became a regiment?

Massachusetts Governor John Albion Andrew advocated for the unattached companies to be granted regimental status. Once this was approved, several additional companies that had been raised in the interim were sent to Washington D.C. to complete the regiment's required strength, leading to its official designation as a regiment in the fall of 1864.

What was the primary duty performed by the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment after achieving regimental status, with the exception of Company I?

Following its official formation as a regiment, the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment, with the exception of Company I, continued its crucial role of manning the various forts that defended the vicinity of Washington D.C.

When were the main elements of the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment mustered out of service?

A portion of the regiment was mustered out on June 17, 1865, while the remaining companies continued their service until September 18, 1865.

Where was Company I, also known as the 13th Unattached Company, recruited, and what was distinctive about its members?

Company I was recruited in Springfield, Massachusetts. Its members were largely mechanics employed at the Springfield National Armory, possessing significant engineering skills.

Why was Company I detached from the main 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment, and what were its specialized duties?

Due to their engineering expertise, the mechanics of Company I were detached from the regiment. They were assigned to the Army of the James, where they were tasked with constructing bridges and roads, demonstrating a role beyond traditional artillery duties.

What critical role did Company I fulfill during the Siege of Petersburg?

During the Siege of Petersburg, Company I was responsible for holding and maintaining the pontoon bridge that spanned the James River, a vital logistical link for Union forces.

When was Company I, the final contingent of the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment, mustered out of service?

Company I, being the last part of the regiment to be demobilized, was mustered out on September 26, 1865.

What information is presented in the table detailing the unattached companies of heavy artillery?

The table lists the designation of each company (A through M), its corresponding unattached company number, and the specific date each company was mustered into service.

When was Company A, the first unattached company that would later be part of the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment, mustered into service?

Company A, designated as the 3rd Unattached Company, was mustered into service on January 10, 1863. This date marks the earliest muster for a company that would eventually form the regiment.

What was the muster date for Company I, which later became Company I of the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment?

Company I, originally the 13th Unattached Company, was mustered into service on February 10, 1864.

When was the final unattached company listed in the table, Company M, mustered into service?

Company M, the 16th Unattached Company, was mustered into service in August 1864.

What became of the earlier unattached heavy artillery companies numbered 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th from Massachusetts?

The earlier unattached heavy artillery companies, specifically the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th, were organized into the 1st Battalion Massachusetts Volunteer Heavy Artillery in 1863.

In April 1865, to which major Union army was most of the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment assigned, and under whose command?

In April 1865, the majority of the regiment was part of the Army of the Potomac, commanded by Major General George Meade.

How was the regiment specifically organized within the Army of the Potomac in April 1865, in terms of brigades and divisions?

Within the Army of the Potomac, the regiment was divided between the Second and Third Brigades of Major General Martin Davis Hardin's division.

Who commanded the Second Brigade of Hardin's division, and which companies of the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery were assigned to it?

The Second Brigade was commanded by Colonel William S. Abert. The companies assigned to this brigade were Company A (Captain Benjamin A. Ball), Company D (Lieutenant Lewis R. Whittaker), Company G (Captain Thomas Herbert), Company H (Captain George W. Pierce), Company K (Captain Edwin Thomas), Company L (Captain Joseph M. Parsons), and Company M (Captain Cornelius F. Driscoll).

Who commanded the Third Brigade of Hardin's division, and which companies of the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery were assigned to it?

The Third Brigade was commanded by Major George S. Worcester. The companies assigned to this brigade were Company B (Lieutenant James E. Childs), Company C (Captain Alfred W. Brigham), Company E (Captain Leonard Gordon), and Company F (Captain Joseph Austin).

What was the general duty of the troops within Hardin's division, and where were they stationed?

The troops of Hardin's division were responsible for garrisoning the various forts and batteries surrounding Washington D.C., playing a vital role in the capital's defense.

Can you list some of the forts around Washington D.C. that were garrisoned by troops from the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment?

The forts garrisoned by the regiment's troops included Baker, Bayard, Bunker Hill, Carrell, Davis, De Russy, Du Pont, Gaines, Greble, Kearny, Lincoln, Mahan, Mansfield, Meigs, Reno, Ricketts, Saratoga, Simmons, Slemmer, Slocum, Snyder, Stanton, Stevens, Summer, and Totten.

Besides forts, what other types of defensive batteries were manned by the troops of the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment?

In addition to the forts, the regiment's troops also manned several batteries, including Cameron, Kemble, Parrott, and Vermont.

What were the primary causes of death for members of the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment?

The primary causes of death for the regiment's personnel were disease and accidents. Tragically, two officers and 39 enlisted men succumbed to these causes.

Did any members of the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment die in combat?

No, according to the provided records, none of the officers or enlisted men of the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment were killed in action.

What related topics are suggested for further reading in the 'See also' section of the article?

The 'See also' section suggests further reading on the List of Massachusetts Civil War Units and Massachusetts in the American Civil War.

What clarification does Note 1 provide regarding the regiment's organization date versus the muster date of its initial companies?

Note 1 clarifies that while the regiment was not officially organized until the fall of 1864, the earliest muster date for one of its constituent companies, Company A (the 3rd Unattached Company), was January 10, 1863.

What is the citation for the official records detailing brigade and division assignments in Volume 37 (LVIII) part 1?

The citation for these official records is 'The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies,' Volume 37 (LVIII) part 1, page 698.

What is the citation for the official records detailing brigade and division assignments in Volume 46 (LVIII) part 3?

The citation for these official records is 'The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies,' Volume 46 (LVIII) part 3, page 1041.

Which sources are cited for the information regarding the losses sustained by the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment?

The information concerning the regiment's losses is primarily sourced from 'Massachusetts in the Army and Navy During the War of 1861-65, Vol I' by Thomas Wentworth Higginson (page 175) and 'Massachusetts in the War 1861-65' by James L. Bowen (page 736).

How did the heavy artillery companies raised in Massachusetts differ from typical field artillery units?

Heavy artillery units, like the 3rd Massachusetts, were typically equipped with larger cannons designed for stationary defense in fortifications, as opposed to field artillery which was mobile and used in direct combat engagements on the battlefield.

What does the term 'unattached companies' signify in the context of the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment's formation?

The term 'unattached companies' indicates that these units were initially mustered into service independently, without being assigned to a specific regiment. They were later consolidated or assigned to form regiments, such as the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery.

What was the significance of the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment's deployment to Washington D.C. in 1864?

The deployment of the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment to Washington D.C. in 1864 was critical for reinforcing the defenses of the Union capital during a crucial period of the war, ensuring its security against potential Confederate threats.

How did the engineering skills of Company I contribute to the Union war effort beyond traditional artillery roles?

Company I's engineering skills allowed them to undertake vital infrastructure projects like building bridges and roads with the Army of the James, and securing critical river crossings like the pontoon bridge at Petersburg, directly supporting military operations and logistics.

What does the size of the regiment (1,897 personnel) suggest about its operational capacity?

A regiment of nearly 1,900 men indicates a substantial fighting and operational force, capable of manning multiple fortifications or undertaking significant engineering tasks, reflecting the importance of heavy artillery and support units in the Union Army's structure.

What does the fact that the regiment's losses were primarily due to disease and accident, with none killed in action, imply about its service?

This suggests that the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment primarily served in a defensive or garrison role, rather than engaging in direct, front-line combat. While still dangerous duty, the absence of combat deaths indicates their main function was holding fortifications.

What was the role of Governor John Albion Andrew in the formation of the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment?

Governor John Albion Andrew played a key role by advocating for the unattached companies of heavy artillery to be granted regimental status, which was instrumental in the formal organization of the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment.

What is the significance of the regiment being part of the Army of the Potomac in April 1865?

Being part of the Army of the Potomac in April 1865 places the regiment at the very end of the war, likely involved in the final campaigns or the occupation of key areas following major Confederate surrenders, such as those around Petersburg and Richmond.

How did the organization into brigades and divisions under commanders like Hardin and De Russy structure the regiment's operations?

The organization into brigades and divisions provided a clear command structure, allowing for coordinated deployment and management of the numerous companies across various fortifications. This hierarchical system ensured efficient manning of defenses and communication within the larger army framework.

What does the inclusion of specific battery names like 'Cameron' and 'Parrott' alongside fort names suggest about the regiment's duties?

The mention of specific batteries alongside forts indicates that the regiment's responsibilities extended beyond just manning static fortifications. They were also involved in operating artillery emplacements that might have been more mobile or strategically placed, such as coastal batteries or field positions supporting defensive lines.

What historical context is provided by the 'See also' section regarding Massachusetts' involvement in the Civil War?

The 'See also' section directs readers to broader topics about Massachusetts' military contributions during the Civil War, contextualizing the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment within the larger state and national effort.

3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment Wiki: Defenders of the Capital: The 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment

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Unit Overview

Establishment and Purpose

The 3rd Massachusetts Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment was a distinguished unit within the Union Army during the American Civil War. Initially formed from existing unattached companies raised for the defense of the Massachusetts coast, its primary mission evolved to garrison the critical military forts protecting the nation's capital, Washington D.C. The regiment was officially constituted in the fall of 1864, serving actively from January 1863 until its final muster out on September 26, 1865.

Leadership and Strength

Under the notable command of Colonel William S. Abert, the regiment comprised a substantial force. Its full complement included 94 officers and 1803 enlisted men, totaling 1897 individuals. This significant manpower underscored its importance in maintaining the extensive defensive network around Washington.

Historical Trajectory

Formation and Deployment

Between January 1863 and early 1864, twelve distinct companies of heavy artillery were raised in Massachusetts. These units, initially designated as "unattached," were tasked with garrisoning the state's coastal fortifications. In the spring of 1864, a significant portion of these companies, including the 3rd through 12th, received orders to deploy to Washington D.C. Their objective was to reinforce and man the vital forts safeguarding the Union capital.

Company I: A Specialized Role

Company I, originally the 13th Unattached Company, possessed a unique composition. Recruited largely from skilled mechanics employed at Springfield, Massachusetts' National Armory, these soldiers brought valuable engineering expertise. Consequently, they were detached from the main regiment and assigned to the Army of the James. During the arduous Siege of Petersburg, Company I played a critical role in constructing and maintaining vital infrastructure, notably holding the pontoon bridge across the James River. This specialized service meant they were the last elements of the regiment to be mustered out, concluding their service on September 26, 1865.

The Unattached Companies

Constituent Companies

The 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment was formed by consolidating several independent companies. These "unattached" companies were raised at different times and served as the foundational elements of the regiment. The table below details these companies, their designation numbers, and their respective muster dates into service.

Company	Unatt. #	Muster Date
A	3rd	10 January 1863
B	6th	19 May 1863
C	7th	14 August 1863
D	8th	14 August 1863
E	9th	27 August 1863
F	10th	16 September 1863
G	11th	20 October 1863
H	12th	20 November 1863
I	13th	10 February 1864
K	14th	12 May 1864
L	15th	30 May 1864
M	16th	August 1864

It is noteworthy that other unattached heavy artillery companies raised in Massachusetts (the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th) were organized into the 1st Battalion Massachusetts Volunteer Heavy Artillery in 1863.

Personnel and Casualties

Regiment Strength

The 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment was a substantial military formation. At its full strength, it comprised 94 commissioned officers and 1803 enlisted men, bringing the total effective strength to 1897 soldiers. This significant number reflects the critical role assigned to heavy artillery units in static defensive positions during the Civil War.

Service-Related Losses

The regiment experienced losses primarily due to the harsh conditions and prevalent diseases of the era, rather than direct combat engagement. Records indicate that two officers and thirty-nine enlisted men succumbed to illness or accidental causes during their service. Crucially, no members of the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery were reported killed in action, underscoring their function as garrison troops responsible for the defense of fixed positions.

Operational Structure

Command and Brigade Assignments

By April 1865, the regiment was integrated into the Union's Army of the Potomac, then under the command of Major General George Meade. The 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery was strategically divided between the Second and Third Brigades, both falling under the command of Brigadier General Martin Davis Hardin's division. This structure facilitated the coordinated manning of the extensive defensive works.

Second Brigade (Colonel William S. Abert):

Company A - Captain Benjamin A. Ball
Company D - Lieutenant Lewis R. Whittaker
Company G - Captain Thomas Herbert
Company H - Captain George W. Pierce
Company K - Captain Edwin Thomas
Company L - Captain Joseph M. Parsons
Company M - Captain Cornelius F. Driscoll

Third Brigade (Major George S. Worcester):

Company B - Lieutenant James E. Childs
Company C - Captain Alfred W. Brigham
Company E - Captain Leonard Gordon
Company F - Captain Joseph Austin

Fortifications of Washington D.C.

The regiment's primary responsibility was the manning of the formidable network of fortifications designed to protect Washington D.C. These defenses were crucial for maintaining Union morale and operational capacity. The soldiers of the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery were stationed across numerous forts and batteries, forming a critical line of defense.

The troops were assigned to various positions, including:

Fort Baker
Fort Bayard
Fort Bunker Hill
Fort Carrell
Fort Davis
Fort De Russy
Fort Du Pont
Fort Gaines
Fort Greble
Fort Kearny
Fort Lincoln
Fort Mahan
Fort Mansfield
Fort Meigs
Fort Reno
Fort Ricketts
Fort Saratoga
Fort Simmons
Fort Slemmer
Fort Slocum
Fort Snyder
Fort Stanton
Fort Stevens
Fort Sumner
Fort Thayer
Fort Totten
Fort Wagner

Additionally, they manned several batteries, such as:

Battery Cameron
Battery Kemble
Battery Parrott
Battery Vermont

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References

As a regiment, it wasn't organized until the fall of 1864, but the first of the unattached companies it would later include was mustered on 10 Jan 1863

A full list of references for this article are available at the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data, primarily from Wikipedia, and may not represent the most current or exhaustive information available.

This is not professional historical or military advice. The information provided herein should not be considered a substitute for consultation with qualified historians, military analysts, or archival professionals. Always consult primary sources and expert analysis for definitive historical understanding.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information presented.

Defenders of the Capital

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Unit Overview ℹ️

🇺🇸 Establishment and Purpose

🎖️ Leadership and Strength

Historical Trajectory 📜

📅 Formation and Deployment

⚔️ Company I: A Specialized Role

The Unattached Companies 🔢

📋 Constituent Companies

Personnel and Casualties 👥

📊 Regiment Strength

💔 Service-Related Losses

Operational Structure 🏛️

🗺️ Command and Brigade Assignments

🛡️ Fortifications of Washington D.C.

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Unit Overview

Establishment and Purpose

Leadership and Strength

Historical Trajectory

Formation and Deployment

Company I: A Specialized Role

The Unattached Companies

Constituent Companies

Personnel and Casualties

Regiment Strength

Service-Related Losses

Operational Structure

Command and Brigade Assignments

Fortifications of Washington D.C.

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice