What Is 110th United States Colored Infantry

Overview

The 110th United States Colored Infantry was one of more than 175 regiments of African American soldiers organized during the American Civil War as part of the United States Colored Troops (USCT). Authorized by the War Department following the Emancipation Proclamation, these units were created to formally integrate Black men into the Union Army. The 110th was organized in April 1864 in New Orleans, Louisiana, a region under Union control since 1862, providing a strategic base for recruitment among newly freed African Americans.

Recruitment for the 110th primarily drew from formerly enslaved men in Louisiana and surrounding areas. These men, eager to fight for their freedom and the Union cause, were trained at Union military camps such as Fort Jackson and Camp Parapet. The formation of the regiment was part of a broader federal initiative to bolster Union forces with Black soldiers, especially after the Militia Act of 1862 and the establishment of the Bureau of Colored Troops in May 1863. By the end of the war, nearly 180,000 African American men had served in the USCT, comprising about 10% of the Union Army.

The significance of the 110th United States Colored Infantry lies not only in its military contributions but also in its symbolic role in the struggle for racial equality. These regiments challenged prevailing racist ideologies by proving the valor and discipline of Black soldiers in combat and garrison roles. Their service helped shift public perception and laid the groundwork for future civil rights advancements. The 110th, like other USCT units, represented both a military necessity and a moral turning point in American history.

How It Works

The 110th United States Colored Infantry operated under the structure and command of the Union Army, specifically within the Department of the Gulf. Like other USCT regiments, it was composed of enlisted African American soldiers led primarily by white commissioned officers, a policy enforced by the Union Army to maintain command hierarchy. The regiment was organized into 10 companies, each with approximately 100 men, for a total authorized strength of around 1,000 soldiers.

• Recruitment: Enlistment began in early 1864, targeting freedmen in Louisiana and nearby regions. Recruiters often operated in contraband camps and liberated plantations.
• Training: Soldiers underwent basic military drills, weapons training, and discipline at established Union posts, typically lasting 6–8 weeks before deployment.
• Command Structure: Commanded by white officers appointed by the Union Army; Captain George W. Baird was among the early leaders of the regiment.
• Deployment: Assigned to garrison duty, guarding supply lines, and patrolling the Mississippi River and Louisiana bayous.
• Combat Role: While not heavily engaged in major battles, the regiment participated in small skirmishes and counter-insurgency operations against Confederate guerrillas.
• Logistics: Supplied by the Union quartermaster system, though Black regiments often received inferior equipment and faced delays in pay.

Key Details and Comparisons

The comparison highlights how the 110th US Colored Infantry was typical of later-formed USCT regiments—raised in occupied Southern territory and focused on stability operations rather than frontline assaults. Unlike the famed 54th Massachusetts, which gained renown for its heroic charge at Fort Wagner, the 110th did not engage in large-scale combat. However, its role in securing Union control in Louisiana was vital. The regiment’s formation in 1864 places it among the mid-to-late wave of USCT units, reflecting the Union’s increasing reliance on Black soldiers as the war dragged on. Its smaller size and garrison focus contrast with earlier, more combat-oriented regiments, illustrating the evolving strategic use of African American troops.

Real-World Examples

The 110th United States Colored Infantry was actively involved in maintaining order in Louisiana during and after the Civil War. One notable example occurred in September 1864, when detachments from the regiment helped suppress a Confederate-aligned uprising near Donaldsonville, demonstrating their role in counterinsurgency. Another instance was their deployment along the Atchafalaya River, where they guarded supply depots and ensured safe passage for Union steamboats—a critical logistical function in the region’s water-based transportation network.

After the Confederate surrender in 1865, the 110th remained active during the early stages of Reconstruction, assisting in the transition from slavery to free labor. They were instrumental in enforcing new labor contracts and protecting freedmen from violence and intimidation by former Confederates. Their presence helped stabilize communities during a volatile period, though they themselves faced discrimination and unequal pay until Congress rectified the issue in 1864.

1. Fort Jackson, LA: Training site and initial base for the 110th USCI.
2. Donaldsonville Campaign (1864): Suppressed local Confederate resistance.
3. Atchafalaya River Patrols: Secured Union supply lines in swampland regions.
4. Reconstruction Duty (1865–1866): Protected freedmen and enforced civil order in Louisiana.

Why It Matters

The legacy of the 110th United States Colored Infantry extends far beyond its military duties. Its very existence challenged the racial hierarchies of the 19th century and contributed to the broader movement for civil rights. The service of Black soldiers in the USCT helped undermine the myth of African American inferiority and provided a foundation for future demands for equality.

• Impact: Proved the capability and courage of African American soldiers under fire, influencing public opinion and policy.
• Legal Change: Helped pressure Congress to pass equal pay legislation for Black soldiers in June 1864.
• Social Shift: Inspired freedmen across the South to assert their rights as citizens.
• Military Integration: Paved the way for the eventual desegregation of the U.S. armed forces in the 20th century.
• Historical Recognition: Modern efforts to document USCT regiments have led to greater acknowledgment of their contributions in national archives and memorials.

The 110th United States Colored Infantry was mustered out of service in April 1866 in New Orleans, marking the end of its official duties. Though not as famous as some of its counterparts, its role in securing Union control in Louisiana and supporting Reconstruction was essential. Today, the regiment stands as a testament to the courage and resilience of African Americans who fought not only for the Union, but for their own freedom and dignity.