3rd Regiment Arkansas Volunteer Infantry (African Descent)

56th U.S. Colored Infantry
Flag of the United States, 1863-1865
Active	As the 3rd Regiment Arkansas Volunteer Infantry: May 22, 1863 As 56th U.S. Colored Infantry : August 11, 1864 to September 15, 1866
Country	United States
Allegiance	Union
Branch	Infantry
Size	Regiment
Engagements	American Civil War
Commanders
1st Commander	Col. Charles Bentzoni
2nd Commander	Col. Wm. S. Brooks

The 56th United States Colored Infantry was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment was composed of African American enlisted men commanded by white officers and was authorized by the Bureau of Colored Troops which was created by the United States War Department on May 22, 1863. The regiment was originally organized as the 3rd Arkansas Volunteer Infantry (African Descent) on May 22, 1863.

The regiment was organized at St. Louis in August 1863 as the 3rd Regiment Arkansas Volunteer Infantry (African Descent) and assigned to the VII Corps (Union Army). The regiment was dispatched to Helena, Arkansas where it was initially utilized for garrison and guard duty. The regiment was re-organized at Helena, Arkansas on March 11, 1864 and re-designated the 56th United States Colored Infantry. The 56th was commanded by Col. Carl Bentzoni, a Prussian born officer who trained the troops for combat.

The 3rd Regiment Arkansas Volunteer Infantry (African Descent) participated in the Expedition from Helena up White River February 4–8, 1864. and up St. Francis River February 13–14.

On July 26, 1864 near Wallace’s Ferry in Arkansas, the unit (now re-designated as the 56th United States Colored Infantry Regiment), along with the 60th Colored Infantry regiments and Battery E of the 2nd U.S. Colored Artillery were attacked by a superior force of Confederate cavalry commanded by Col. Archibald S. Dobbins. Supported by about 150 men from the 15th Illinois Cavalry, the infantry regiments organized a fighting retreat and at a crucial moment in the battle made a counter charge into the enemy line. The unit was praised by the commander of Battery E in his after action report:.