Nebraska in the Civil War-- Part 2: 1st Nebraska Raised for Territory Defense

No battles or skirmishes were fought in Nebraska Territory during the war nor was it invaded by Confederate soldiers.  But Nebraskans did serve as soldiers in the Union armies.

When the war started, U.S. regular soldiers were withdrawn from Fort Kearny and Fort Randall to fight the Confederates.  This left Nebraska territory open to Indian attack.  The federal government asked that the territory form a volunteer regiment, with some companies to stay behind as defense against the Indians.

The territorial legislature  met in a special session in Omaha and  and agreed to raise the force.

Thus, the 1st Nebraska Volunteer Infantry was formed in June and July 1861, with future governor of Nebraska and Wyoming Territory, John Milton Thayer, as its first colonel.

However, the government reneged on its promise to have part of the regiment used for territory defense, and all of them were sent east to fight in August 1861.

--Old Secesh