War and Conflict

United States Army General and Staff officers hat insignia worn during the Civil War by General John B. Sanborn of the 4th Minnesota Regiment. The velvet patch is embroidered in bullion with a wreath and the letters "MVM" (Minnesota Volunteer Militia).

US Army officer's hat insignia

United States Army General and Staff officers hat insignia worn during the Civil War by General John B. Sanborn of the 4th Minnesota Regiment. The velvet patch is embroidered in bullion with a wreath and the letters "MVM" (Minnesota Volunteer Militia).

The Fourth Minnesota battle flag is blue with gold fringe. It is missing a large portion of the center, but a motto and image are still somewhat visible. This is the reverse side.

4th Minnesota regimental battle flag

4th Minnesota regimental battle flag, back

The Fourth Minnesota battle flag is blue with gold fringe. It is missing a large portion of the center, but a motto and image are still somewhat visible.

4th Minnesota regimental battle flag

4th Minnesota regimental battle flag, front

Photograph of an obelisk with a statue of a soldier at its base.

Minnesota state monument, Vicksburg National Military Park

Minnesota state monument, Vicksburg National Military Park

Photograph of a rectangular stone monument with metal plaque honoring the Fourth Minnesota regiment

Monument to 4th Minnesota Regiment, Vicksburg National Military Park

Monument to 4th Minnesota Regiment, Vicksburg National Military Park

Painting showing an artist's depiction of the Fourth Minnesota entering Vicksburg after its surrender

Fourth Minnesota Regiment Entering Vicksburg, July 4, 1863

Fourth Minnesota Regiment Entering Vicksburg, July 4, 1863

Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment

The Fourth Regiment of Minnesota Infantry witnessed much of the action in the Civil War's Western Theater. They were part of minor skirmishes as well as major battles, expeditions and campaigns. They were fortunate to avoid heavy casualties in some large battles they were in, but they proved themselves good fighters. The officers and men saw Vicksburg surrendered. They were in Battles around Chattanooga. They marched with Sherman to the sea and witnessed the surrender of a major Confederate Army. Years after the war, the Fourth served as the subject for a famous artist's painting.

Painting depicting the charge of Minnesotans at the Battle of Nashville

Battle of Nashville

Howard Pyle's 1906 painting depicts the charge of the Minnesotans at the Battle of Nashville, December 16, 1864. It hangs in the Governor's Reception Room at the Minnesota State Capitol.

Photograph of Colonel Josiah F. Marsh

Colonel Josiah F. Marsh of Preston. Served with the Ninth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry

Marsh is wearing his lieutenant colonel's uniform. He was promoted to colonel upon Alexander Wilkin's death at the Battle of Tupelo in July 1864.

image of a Prussian Model 1809 percussion musket used by the Ninth Infantry

Converted Prussian Model 1809 percussion musket

During the Civil War the Federal Government and the States purchased foreign weapons to complement domestic pieces. This Model 1809 Prussian musket is one of more than 4,500 such weapons added to the Minnesota state arsenal. The outdated Prussian muskets were used for drill training or for issue to troops far behind the front lines, and many were turned over to civilians after the war. This musket was issued to Hans Johan Johnson, a private with Company H of the 9th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry.

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