The 10th Illinois Infantry was mustered into state service at Dixon, Illinois, on April 21, 1861, and mustered into Federal service on May 24, 1861, for a three-year enlistment. The regiment saw service at the Battle of Island Number Ten, the Battle of Resaca, the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, the March to the Sea and the Carolinas Campaign. The regiment was mustered out on July 4, 1865, and discharged at Chicago, Illinois, on July 11, 1865.