The regiment was sent to Paducah, Kentucky and from there joined Ulysses S. Grant's expedition against Fort Henry.

After Shiloh, McGinnis was promoted to brigadier general and Daniel Macauley became regimental colonel.

In July, 1864 the regiment was ordered to Washington, DC and joined Philip Sheridan's Army of the Shenandoah.

With Macauley in command the regiment fought at the battles of Opequon, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek.

[2] The USL franchise, Indy Eleven, was named specifically for the 11th Indiana Infantry.