RHODE ISLAND

The smallest state (with the longest name - it was officially "Rhode Island and Providence Plantations") had a population of 174,611, of whom 23,236 (13.3%) enlisted. 1,878 of them joined the Navy or Marines, and almost as many, 1,837, were African-Americans joining the US Colored Troops or the one heavy artillery battery that was "African Descent."

1,321 men did not return home, and only 460 died as a result of battle. Another 84 died in prison camp, but the bulk, 777, died from disease or accidents.

Rhode Island had an active abolitionist movement and voted strongly for the Republicans. The state formed three cavalry regiments, two heavy artillery regiments (mainly serving in the Washington, D.C. garrison), a light artillery regiment, and twelve infantry regiments. The troops mainly served in the eastern theater.

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