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16th Ohio Volunteer Infantry
Where was the regiment on
Sunday, April 24, 1864
NORTH TO ALEXANDRIA

On this day the 16th Ohio, having spent the night on board the steamship John H. Groesbeck, docked at New Orleans, embarked on the ship heading north to Alexandria, Louisiana. The ship was part of a fleet heading to the Red River area with troops to reinforce Gen. Nathaniel Banks who had been retreating from the smaller but more determined force of Rebel General Richard Taylor. Of this day, Cpl. Theodore Wolbach states:

In the morning we steamed up the old river, enjoying to the fullest degree the balmy tropical air. It seemed more like a pleasure excursion to us than going to the relief of a beaten army.


This period military map shows the Mississippi and Red River area. The specific point to which the 16th Ohio reached is known only to be somewhere before Baton Rouge.


Wide view modern day map showing the estimated route and location of the 16th Ohio on board the steamship John H. Groesbeck on its voyage from New Orleans, north toward Alexandria, Louisiana, on April 24, 1864.


A - New Orleans, Louisiana, where the 16th Ohio began its trip on the morning of April 24, 1864.
B - Estimated location of the 16th Ohio on board the steamship John H. Groesbeck at the end of the day on April 24, 1864.
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