View History of the 12th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers

As was the routine for so many volunteer regiments from Louisiana, companies were formed by an individual from the community such as a doctor, lawyer or businessman. In many cases they formed, elected officers, practiced some crude form of drill, all with an anticipated departure date to eventually meet with other companies and be formed into regiments. The "Walker Roughs" as they were known when they left Springfield, La. in August 1861, were brought together by Dr. William E. Walker, their first Captain. Once formed into the 16^th in September of that same year, the Walker Roughs became Co. D and were designated the color company of the Regiment, carrying a hand-sewn silk First National flag, painstakingly created by the ladies of Springfield. This flag would be their standard at Shiloh where the Sgt. Major of the regiment was mortally wounded while advancing the colors.

The unit received its training at Camp Moore in Tangipahoa and was mustered into Confederate service on September 29, 1861. The 16^th was shipped to Chalmette and there joined the17th, 18^th, 19^th and 20^th Regiments to form Ruggles Brigade. In February of 1862 the Brigade was moved to Corinth, Ms. in preparation for a Confederate thrust into Kentucky. Instead, the Brigade was assigned to the Army of Mississippi and began the following battle record:

Army of Mississippi -
April 6-7, 1862	Shiloh, Tn. {Among the most forward of CS units. On the CS extreme left and helped to fold the US forces back along the Tennessee River}
May 9, 1862	Farmington, Ms.
Army of Tennessee (Transfer) -
Oct. 8, 1862	Perryville, Ky. {Due to high casualties the 16th & 25th were consolidated} (see flag)
Dec. 31, 1862	Murfreesboro, Tn.
July, 1863	Jackson. Ms.
Sep. 19-20, 1863	Chickamauga, Ga. {On the 2nd day, the unit held the extreme right of the CS line and made a bold move around the US left flank and rear. The unit charged over a mile of open ground under fire causing the US forces to fold back upon Snodgrass Hill. Ultimately this led to the Federal forces being driven back to Chattanooga in defeat.}
Nov., 1863	Missionary Ridge, Tn.
May, 1864	Mill Creek Gap. Ga.
May. 1864	Resaca, Ga.
May, 1864	New Hope Church, Ga.
July, 1864	Ezra Church. Ga.
Aug.,1864	Jonesboro, Ga.
Oct. 1864	Florence, Al.
Dec.,1864	Nashville, Tn.
Mar.,1865	{The consolidated 16th –25th La. was disbanded due to loses. The 16th was consolidated with the 1st and 20th La. Regiments to form the Chalmette Regiment}
Mar./Apr., 1865	Spanish Fort, Al.
May 8, 1865	Gainesville, Al. – Surrender

In the nearly four years of its existence, the 16^th Louisiana Infantry Regiment wrote the story of its deeds in the western theater of the Great Conflict with its blood and that of its adversaries. Its history is that of unquestioned courage on the field of battle and honor to it native state.