Solomon Goodrich enlisted as a corporal in Company K, 1st Iowa Cavalry on June 13, 1861; he transferred to Bissell’s Engineer Regiment of the West on October 1, 1861, was promoted to first sergeant on January 13, 1862, and to second lieutenant on October 18, 1862.

Bissell’s Engineers contributed to Union battlefield victories early in the war, such as New Madrid, Island No. 10 and Corinth. They repaired and built railroads and bridges in Tennessee and Mississippi through 1862 and 1863. In early 1864 Bissell’s Engineer Regiment was consolidated with the 25th Missouri Infantry to form the 1st Missouri Engineers. The regiment took part in the Atlanta Campaign, Sherman’s “March to the Sea” and the Carolinas Campaign.

Goodrich spent considerable time on detached duty to various locations, building fortifications.

Carte-de-Visite by Nichols & Bros., St. Louis, Mo.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11823