Companies, Units, Regiments...math.

Question

If I understand correctly, multiple Companies = Regiment (a.k.a., Unit). How many companies would typically be in a single regiment/unit?

Two of my ancestors served in Illinois:

S.W. Jackson, 88th IL Infantry, Co. E
George Hosier, 93rd IL Infantry, Co. I

I have CMSRs, carded medical, and pension files for both men; am simply curious about how the nested military groups fit within one another. Here's a graphic found online (source: Civil War Army Organization | Civil War Trust). Would companies be the next layer at the top of the chart?

Thomas Richardson · Answer

Cinda,

Thank you for your question! Typically in the early stages of the Civil War, a regiment consisted of 10 companies, each with around 100 men. This structure originates from the Hardee Manual in 1855. Now companies could vary in size, leading to different regiment sizes. Your graphic above represents the typical size of regiments during the Civil War from both the Union and Confederate armies.

Thank you for using the History Hub and good luck with your research!

Cinda Baxter, CG · Answer

Thanks, Thomas--that fills in the gaps.

Companies, Units, Regiments...math.

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