The Evolution and Naming of the 7th Cavalry Regiment

Introduction to the Formation of Cavalry Regiments

Historically, the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army is known by its unique name, but understanding how it came to be requires a look at the history of cavalry units in the early days of the U.S. military. The naming and formation of cavalry regiments were influenced by various military reforms and conflicts throughout the 19th century. To fully appreciate the naming of the 7th Cavalry, we must trace its lineage and the evolution of the cavalry units that preceded it.

Antecedents of the 7th Cavalry

Early 19th Century Cavalry Formation

During the early 1800s, the U.S. Army began to formalize its cavalry units. The first true regular cavalry regiment was the 1st Dragoons, raised in 1833. This was followed by the 2nd Dragoons, established in 1834. These regiments were the initial cavalry units raised by the federal government as part of a new era of military development.

In the 1820s, the tradition of naming regiments shifted. The 1st and 2nd Dragoons were established, and they initially served as mounted infantry. The 3rd Mounted Rifles, which later became the 3rd Cavalry, were formed during the Mexican-American War. The 1st and 2nd Cavalry regiments were also established in 1854, with the 1st Cavalry designated as the 2nd Cavalry and the 2nd Cavalry renamed as the 1st Cavalry. The 6th Cavalry was created using supernumerary personnel from the first five regiments.

Raising and Renaming During the Civil War

Reorganization and Renaming

At the start of the Civil War, these cavalry units underwent reorganization and renaming, much to the dismay of the soldiers. The 1st Dragoons became the 1st Cavalry, the 2nd Dragoons became the 2nd Cavalry, the 3rd Mounted Rifles became the 3rd Cavalry, and the original 1st and 2nd Cavalry became the 4th and 5th Cavalry, respectively. The 6th Cavalry, created from the remnants of the fifth regiment, was also formed during this reorganization.

It is important to note that the 3rd Cavalry, prior to the reorganization, was created in 1838 and later became the 6th Cavalry after the reorganization. This historical detail provides a nuanced view of the unit’s evolution.

Post-Civil War Expansion and the Formation of the 7th Cavalry

Federal Army Reorganization

After the Civil War, the United States Army was expanded. For the first time, the federal government authorized six infantry, artillery, and cavalry divisions. Divisions 7 through X were new militia units formed entirely from the states, not from the federal government. The 7th Cavalry was one of the new federal cavalry regiments established during this period. Its primary mission was to combat the Plains Indians in the western frontier.

Unique Elements of the 7th Cavalry

Nicknames and Cultural Influence

The 7th Cavalry is also known by its nickname, "Gary Owen," named after the Irish ballad of the same name. During its service, up to 70 percent of the troopers were of Irish descent, which added a unique cultural influence to the unit. This diversity in the ranks of the 7th Cavalry added a layer of richness to its history and heritage.

Conclusion

Understanding the origins of the 7th Cavalry Regiment involves tracing the evolution of the U.S. cavalry through the 19th century. The unit's names and structures reflect the military reforms, conflicts, and social changes that characterized the period. The formation of the 7th Cavalry as a new federal regiment underscores the military's changing needs and reflects the broader history of the United States. The 7th Cavalry's unique status as the seventh cavalry regiment in the regular U.S. Army adds an interesting layer to its historical narrative.