Bissell's Engineers

[Robert Gray]

Colonel Josiah W. Bissell's "Engineer Regiment of the West" was mustered into service in the fall of 1861. The regiment contained men from Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, and Iowa. Bissell's Engineers contributed to Union battlefield victories early in the war, such as New Madrid, Island No. 10, and Corinth. They repaired and built railroads and bridges in Tennessee and Mississippi through 1862 and 1863. In early 1864 Bissell's Engineer Regiment was consolidated with the 25th Missouri Infantry to form the 1st Missouri Engineers. The regiment took part in the Atlanta Campaign, Sherman's "March to the Sea," and the Carolinas Campaign. Unfortunately no specific company designation exists for this image.

Ambrotype by Unknown Photographer

Bissell's Engineer Regiment of the West
Library of Congress, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

 

[Reconstructed Rebel]

In letters and diaries, the speed with which Sherman was able to rebuild bridges and cross swamps was a source of amazement to Southerners. Kudos to Bissell and his engineers.

 

[Seduzal]

Thanks for sharing this awesome article.

 

[Stryker65]

Additionally, companies A, D, F, and I helped construct the entrenchments at Vicksburg, under Major William Tweeddale. The remaining companies, under Colonel Josiah C. Bissell, repaired the oft-attacked railroads in the vicinity of Memphis, based out of Pocahontas, Tennessee.