| 1st Battalion, Native Cavalry, California Volunteers | |
|---|---|
 35 star Cavalry guidon | |
| Active | 1863–1866 |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Cavalry (Lancers) |
| Equipment | Colt Army Pistol Lance US Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber Springfield Model 1842 Sharps Carbine |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | General Andrés Pico Major Salvador Vallejo Major John C. Cremony |
The 1st Battalion of Native Cavalry, California Volunteers was a cavalry battalion in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Recruits were largely drawn from the Californio population (colloquially known as "Native Californians"), though its ranks included Yaqui and Mission Indians as well as immigrants from Mexico, Hispano America and Europe (particularly France). In addition to its ethnic makeup, the Battalion is also considered unusual for being one of the few lancer units in the United States Army.[1][2]
The Battalion spent its entire term of service in California and Arizona Territory.[3]
- ^ Prezelski, Tom, "Lives of the Californio Lancers, The First Battalion of Native California Cavalry, 1863–1866" The Journal of Arizona History, Spring 1999.
- ^ Masich, Andrew E., Civil War in the Southwest Borderlands, 1861-1867 (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2017).
- ^ Orton, Richard H. Records of California Men In The War of the Rebellion 1861 to 1867, California Adjutant-General's Office, 1890 pp. 304–320