8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment

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8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment
Illinois flag
Active	September 18, 1861, to July 17, 1865
Country	United States
Allegiance	Union
Branch	Cavalry
Engagements	Battle of Williamsburg Battle of Fair Oaks Battle of Antietam Battle of Fredericksburg Stoneman's Raid Battle of Brandy Station Battle of Gettysburg Battle of Monocacy Battle of Opequon Battle of Fort Stevens

The 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment was a cavalry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment served the duration of the war, and was the only Illinois cavalry regiment to serve the entire war in the Army of the Potomac. They also aided in the hunt for John Wilkes Booth and served as President Lincoln's honor guard while he lay in state under the rotunda. Lincoln gave them the nickname of "Farnsworth's Abolitionist Regiment" when he watched them march past the White House.