Federal Forces

When Texas joined the Confederacy in 1861, some men disagreed. Mainly these were from foreign countries or the north, or did not uphold states' rights. Some of them left here and joined northern army units.

Others joined federal forces near home. A 1st Texas Cavalry (Union), made up of 310 men in 8 companies, was organized by a Texan, Col. E.J. Davis, across the Rio Grande, in Mexico. Nucleus of 2nd Texas Cavalry (Union) was formed in New Orleans, adding men in Louisiana and Mexico until it had 4 companies. They merged 1864 into 1st Texas Volunteer Cavalry (Union).

Individual Texas prisoners of war obtained freedom by becoming "galvanized Yankees" - men coating over their old opinions with blue uniforms. These fought Indians on frontiers, not old Confederate comrades. However, Texans in the Federal Army sometimes were in battle against old neighbors, or even their own relatives, in Red River campaigns in Louisiana, on the coast, and in south and west Texas.

On each side by turns were enlisted the partisan Rangers of A.J. Vidal - deserting the Confederates in 1863, the Federals and the war itself in 1864.

Federal soldiers from Texas were a small minority because 90,000 Texans fought for the Confederacy.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Austin, TX  |  Travis County  |  78703  |  Texas  |  United States of America

Texas and the Civil War State Military Board
William Steele
Major John B. Jones
Adjutants General
Camp Mabry
Texas in the Civil War
Lilia and Josephine Casis
The Radkey House
Taylor Lime Kiln No. 1
Seiders Oaks

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.