Massachusetts Civil War records from 1861–1865 can help you trace an ancestor who served in a Massachusetts unit. This index, Massachusetts Civil War Soldiers and Sailors, covers about 140,000 people. It includes enlisted personnel and their commanding officers.
Request a Free Lookup
First-Time User? Click here
What this collection covers
Use these Massachusetts Civil War records to look for an ancestor who served with a Massachusetts unit between 1861 and 1865. The amount of detail depends on the entry. A result may help you identify the person’s unit and guide your next search for military records.
Compare any result with the dates and places in your family research. People with the same name may have served in different units. An index match is a starting point; check the source entry before adding it to your family history.
Enter one ancestor’s full name above. Add an approximate birth year, Massachusetts town or county, and any known regiment or company in Helpful Information. Include spelling variations if you know them. Please read the free lookup guidelines before submitting.
Follow the Clues to Other Records
When you find a possible match, write down the name, unit, and any source reference. Then compare those details with census records, family papers, and local histories. A shared name alone is not enough. Try known spelling variants, and keep a note of unsuccessful searches as well.
For further research, the Massachusetts Archives digital records guide links to published Civil War military records. Use the original pages to check the index entry in context. Also save the volume and page number, so you can return to the source and explain how it supports your family history.
Learn More
Explore more military record lookups or see this week’s free genealogy lookups.