| 3rd California Volunteer Infantry | |
|---|---|
 National color of the regiment | |
| Active | August 31, 1861, to July 27, 1866 |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | Union |
| Branch | Infantry |
| Engagements | |
The 3rd Regiment California Volunteer Infantry was an infantry regiment in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
The regiment was organized at Stockton and Benicia Barracks from October 31 to December 31, 1861, to serve three years. The regiment was first commanded by Colonel Patrick Edward Connor. After the formation of the regiment at Stockton, four companies were sent to Humboldt County during the month of November, 1861. During July, 1862, Colonel Connor was sent, with his regiment, to the District of Utah, where it remained for the balance of its term of service.
Its largest engagement was the Bear River Massacre or Battle of Bear River on January 29, 1863, in southeastern Washington Territory (present-day Franklin County, Idaho).
On the expiration of its term of service, the original members of the regiment (except men whose terms of service were not over) were mustered out, and the remaining men and new recruits were consolidated into a battalion of four companies on October 29, 1864. Known as the Third Battalion of Infantry, the battalion was composed of companies, A, B, C, and D. On December 9, 1865, Companies C and D were consolidated, leaving only three companies in the battalion. The battalion was finally mustered out July 27, 1866.
The regiment's officers were presented with a silk National flag by H. B. Underbill inside the Agricultural Hall in Stockton on 23 February 1862. "It was made for you, Colonel, and for the Third Regiment of California Volunteers. It was made to lead you on to conquest and renown. Victory must go with it, or it most never be unfurled to the breeze of heaven. On it is inscribed the name of your noble regiment. Let those silver letters never be gazed upon by rebel eyes except in the humility of defeat." In 1911 a small parade was held in the city of Fresno, and the flag was flown from a car with Captain Thomas E. Ketchen next to it.
In July 1862 a flag was made for Company A by the citizens of Hydesville and Humboldt County. On September 12 the flag was presented to the company. It was a 35 star silk American flag with the inscription “Fairly Won." After their service was up they gave the flag to the San Joaquin Valley District Agricultural Society. During Captain Ketcham's trip to Salt Lake City in 1909. He took the Company's flag and displayed it at the national encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Company G carried their own flag. The flag was last displayed in a G.A.R parade in 1909 in Salt Lake City.
