William Waggoner enlisted in Companies D, 3rd Colorado Infantry, a unit organized in the fall of 1862; the 3rd moved to Pilot Knob, Missouri, in the spring of 1863 and performed garrison duty there.

In October 1863, the 2nd Colorado Infantry was consolidated with the 3rd Colorado Infantry to form the 2nd Colorado Cavalry, under the command of Colonel James H. Ford.

The regiment fought in the battles of Lexington, Little Blue River, Independence, Byram’s Ford, Westport, Mine Creek, and Newtonia during General Sterling Price’s 1864 raid through Missouri. It was mustered out of the service on September 23, 1865.

Carte-de-Visite by Unknown Photographer

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 32054-I