In the spring of 1861, as war between the states became imminent, citizens of Plattsmouth responded quickly when Dr. Robert R. Livingston organized an infantry company for Federal service before President Lincoln called for volunteers. The men chose Livingston as their captain, and the women of Plattsmouth sewed and presented a flag to the company. On June 11, 1861, the Plattsmouth volunteers were mustered in as Company A, First Nebraska Volunteer Infantry. For three years, the regiment campaigned in the South and fought in major battles at Fort Donelson and Shiloh in Tennessee. After returning to Nebraska in 1864, the regiment, then serving as a cavalry unit, was sent to Fort Kearny, where small detachments protected emigrant wagon trains, mail and passenger coaches, and road ranches against the threat of Indian attack. The regiment remained in service on the plains until July, 1866, when it was mustered out at Omaha. Robert R. Livingston rose to command the First Nebraska with the rank of Brevet Brigadier General before returning to private life at Plattsmouth.