1st District of Columbia Cavalry Regiment

1st District of Columbia Cavalry
Active 18631865
Country United States of America
Allegiance Union
Branch Cavalry
Type Regiment
Part of XXII Corps, Department of Washington
Army of the James
Engagements Siege of Petersburg
Appomattox Campaign
Battle of Five Forks
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Lafayette C. Baker

The 1st District of Columbia Cavalry was a Union Army infantry regiment which fought in the American Civil War.

History

Four cavalry companies were formed from June to December 1861, under the command of Colonel Lafayette C. Baker for service in the defenses of Washington, D.C.; in November it was transferred to the Department of Virginia and North Carolina. Eight companies which had been raised in Augusta, Maine were attached to the regiment in early 1864. The regiment participated in the Siege of Petersburg during the remainder of 1864 and early 1865.

In August 1864, seven companies were transferred to the 1st Maine Cavalry, while the rest of the regiment was consolidated into two companies. After fighting in the Appomattox Campaign, the regiment served in garrison roles in Virginia until mustering out on October 26, 1865.

Sources