18th Kansas Cavalry Battalion

HISTORICAL NOTES: The 18th Kansas Cavalry Battalion was specifically formed to serve on the Kansas frontier against hostile Native American tribes. It was a four-company battalion, mustered into service in July 1867 for a four-month period. Since it was formed post-war, it is not generally considered to be a Civil War Unit. The battalion saw action against the Plains Indians, including engagements near Fort Harker and on the Republican River.

The battalion was organized in response to a circular from the Military Division of the Missouri. Its primary objective was to protect the Kansas frontier from Indian raids and conflicts.

The 18th Kansas Cavalry served for four months, from July to November 1867, primarily in western Kansas. They engaged in operations against Native American tribes, including a significant engagement near Fort Harker and another on the Republican River. One notable engagement involved a portion of Captain Arns's Tenth Cavalry being attacked by a large Indian force. The 18th Kansas Cavalry, under Major Moore, later engaged a portion of the same Indian force and defeated them.

The battalion experienced some casualties, including loss of some 10 per cent from cholera and combat, and losses in horses during engagement. Its service was constant and arduous.

The 18th Kansas Cavalry was a precursor to the 19th Kansas Cavalry, which was organized later in 1868 and also served on the frontier. The 19th Kansas continued the campaign against the Indians, ultimately helping to clear the plains and force tribes onto reservations. Eighteenth and Nineteenth Regiments, Kansas Cavalry ... eighteenth and nineteenth regiments of kansas cavalry volunteers. OFFICERS:

Major H.L. Moore, formerly Lieutenant Colonel of the 4th Arkansas Cavalry.

ASSIGNMENTS: SERVICE:

Fort Harker

Republican River

ROSTERS:
The rosters of this unit contains the names of 495 men. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
REFERENCES:

REF: Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion

Arkansas 6th Infantry Regiment