Vigo County Historical Society
Historical Treasure Article

Historic Treasure of the Week - July 19, 1998
By Laura E. Criss
Vigo County Historical Society

Vigo regiment defeated Stonewall

"All hail! the gallant Fourteenth brave,
Who’d rather fill the soldiers grave
Than act the coward’s part.
They’re Indiana’s glory, pride--
Their name is echoed far and wide
And cherished in each heart,"

Written by Henry Hitchcock on Oct. 21, 1861, this was the opening stanza in the poem titled "Kimball and His Men." Hitchcock’s premonition foresaw the 14th Regiment’s more than successful involvement in the Civil War.

The 14th was mustered in Vigo County on June 7, 1861, with 1,134 men. It was commanded by none other than Col. Nathan Kimball, a native of Loogootee. Kimball was much admired by his men. He often lead the men into battle from the front of the line, instead of commanding from the rear. Due to this, Kimball earned his men’s respect, loyalty, and admiration. Confidence in Kimball helped maintain high morale among the soldiers, which was crucial during the Civil War.

Throughout the 14th’s career, they engaged in the battles of Kernstown, Shenandoah, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, along with many other small battles and skirmishes. But what made Kimball and the 14th the pride of Indiana was the battle of Kernstown, Va. On March 22, 1862, Kimball replaced the wounded Shields as the division commander, only to be confronted by the infamous Stonewall Jackson. The next day, March 23, he defeated Jackson at Kernstown. Kimball was the only commanded ever to defeat Stonewall Jackson during the Civil War.

The Civil War poster and Henry Hitchcock’s poem can be viewed in the Civil War display room.

The Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1411 S. Sixth St., is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.