81st Regiment Infantry U.S. Colored Troops

Native Guard soldiers at Port Hudson during the American Civil War

81st Regiment Infantry U.S. Colored Troops was a regiment of United States Colored Troops during the American Civil War. Initially formed as the 9th Infantry, Corps d'Afrique on September 2, 1863, the regiment was re-designated as the 81st Regiment Infantry on April 4, 1864. It primarily served at Port Hudson, Louisiana, and was mustered out on November 30, 1866.^[1][2]

Formation and Service

The regiment was initially formed as the 9th Infantry of the Corps d'Afrique. On April 4, 1864, it received its final designation as the 81st Regiment Infantry U.S. Colored Troops. The unit was stationed at Port Hudson, Louisiana, where it played a significant role in the Union's military operations in the region.

Command and Operations

John F. Appleton of Maine served as the commanding officer of the 81st Regiment. Despite its readiness and training, the regiment did not engage in direct combat during its service. Its primary responsibilities involved garrison duties and support roles within the Union's military structure in Louisiana.^[3]

See also

• List of United States Colored Troops Civil War units
• Siege of Port Hudson
• 1st Louisiana Native Guard (Union)
• 1st Louisiana Native Guard (Confederate)
• 3rd Louisiana Native Guards

References

1. "Search For Battle Units". United States National Park Service. Retrieved 2023-11-10.
2. "81st Infantry, US Colored Troops :: New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center". museum.dmna.ny.gov.^{[dead link‍]}
3. Gold, David M. (1991). "Frustrated Glory: John Francis Appleton and Black Soldiers in The Civil War". Maine History. 31 (2): 174–204. ISSN 1090-5413.