| 1st Regiment California Volunteer Cavalry | |
|---|---|
 National color of the regiment | |
| Active | September 1861 to October 21, 1866 |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | Union |
| Branch | Cavalry |
| Engagements | American Civil War
|
The 1st Regiment California Cavalry was a cavalry regiment in the Union Army during the American Civil War. First formed as a battalion, the unit later expanded to regimental size.
The regiment was first formed as the 1st Battalion, 1st Regiment California Cavalry (five companies) between August and October 31, 1861, at Camp Merchant near Oakland. After the battalion was organized it was sent to Southern California, with three companies stationed at Camp Latham, near Los Angeles, and two at Camp Carleton, near San Bernardino. From November 20–29, 1861, the detachment under Second Lt. C. R. Wellman was stationed at Camp Wright, and pursued and captured Dan Showalter's party west of the San Jose Valley and Warner's Ranch. The battalion remained in Southern California until the spring of 1862 when it became part of the California Column and was the advance force during the march to New Mexico Territory and Texas. In 1863 seven more companies were raised to bring the regiment to a full strength of twelve companies. The five original companies were mustered out August 31, 1864, when the terms of service of most of the men expired. Two new companies, B and C, were organized in New Mexico by consolidation of men whose terms had not expired combined with new enlistments, and two new companies were organized in California, A and E, and then sent to Arizona. All of the companies of First California Cavalry (Companies B, C, F, G, H, K, and M) stationed in New Mexico and Texas were ordered to assemble at Baird’s Ranch, near Albuquerque, and were mustered out of service during September, 1866. The 1st California Cavalry Regiment spent its entire term of service in the western United States in California, New Mexico Territory (and Arizona Territory once it was organized), and Texas. [1]
The regiment has one national flag and two company guidons on display in the state capitol. Other flags were described by newspapers. [2] [3] Most of the companies' flags were made by the locals of the area. [4] During the war Lieutenant Merriam of Company L captured a Confederate flag that was hanging in a church window in San Joaquin County. [5] [6]
