The 8th Veteran Reserve Corps Regiment was organized at Chicago, Ill. on Oct. 10, 1863 by the consolidation of the 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 31st, 63rd, 78th, 81st, 83rd, 92nd and 96th Companies, 1st Battalion, VRC.

The enlisted men were mustered out between July 1 and Nov. 30, 1865.

The last officer was discharged on Sept. 26, 1867.

Colonel/Brevet Brigadier General Benjamin J. Sweet was the commanding officer. Sweet had been lieutenant colonel of the 6th Wis. Infantry Rgt. and colonel, 21st Wis. Infantry Rgt. He commanded the Camp douglas Miliary Prison near Chicago so I assume the 8th VRC Rgt. served as the camp's guards.

When first organized The VRC was divided into 1st Battalion and 2nd Bn. The 1st Bn. soldiers were considered fit enough to perform guard duty.