27th Pennsylvania Regiment Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 27th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Mustered into United States service in late May 1861, the regiment served primarily in the Eastern and Western Theaters and participated in several major campaigns and battles. The regiment is notable for its early involvement in the events at Baltimore in April 1861 and for its distinguished service at Cross Keys, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Missionary Ridge.

This unit is distinct from any Pennsylvania regiments of similar designation serving under different terms of enlistment.

Organization & Service

The 27th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was recruited in Philadelphia and left the city for Washington, D.C., on April 18, 1861. The regiment reached Baltimore on April 19, 1861, in company with the 6th Massachusetts, but was prevented from passing through the city by a hostile mob. Unarmed and unable to force a passage, the regiment returned to Philadelphia. Although its services were initially offered with the three months’ troops, they were not accepted. The regiment was finally mustered into United States service for a three years’ term in late May 1861.

In early June 1861, the regiment was ordered to Washington and attached to General McDowell’s army. It was held in reserve at the First Battle of Bull Run in July 1861. Subsequently, the regiment moved to Roach’s Mills, Virginia, remaining there until October 8, when it relocated to Hunter’s Chapel for winter quarters. In the spring of 1862, the 27th was assigned to General Fremont’s army, joining at Franklin, Virginia. The regiment saw its first combat at the Battle of Cross Keys, where it was commended for its conduct.

Later, the 27th Pennsylvania was assigned to the Army of Virginia and participated in the Second Battle of Bull Run. With the Army of the Potomac, the regiment suffered heavy losses at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. In the autumn of 1863, the regiment was ordered to Nashville, Tennessee, and stationed for a time at Bridgeport, Alabama. Alongside the 33rd Massachusetts and 73rd Ohio, the 27th participated in a night assault near Chattanooga, driving Confederate forces from a strong position. The regiment arrived at Chattanooga on November 22, 1863, and took part in the Battle of Missionary Ridge. It then moved to Knoxville, returned to Chattanooga, and spent the winter in camp near Lookout Mountain.

On May 4, 1864, the regiment began the march to Atlanta with the army, remaining with the column until reaching Dallas, Georgia, in May. At that point, the 27th was ordered home. The regiment returned to Philadelphia and was mustered out of service on June 11, 1864. Company F was detached for special duty at Washington at the beginning of the regiment’s service and did not rejoin the main body.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Baltimore (April 1861, mob incident)
• First Battle of Bull Run (reserve)
• Cross Keys
• Second Battle of Bull Run
• Chancellorsville
• Gettysburg
• Bridgeport, Alabama (operations)
• Chattanooga (night assault, November 1863)
• Missionary Ridge
• Knoxville
• Atlanta Campaign (to Dallas, Georgia)

Casualties

The total strength of the 27th Pennsylvania Infantry was 1,346 men. The regiment lost approximately 150 killed in battle, and an additional 250 men died from disease and wounds. These figures are based on contemporary reports; specific breakdowns may vary in different sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Max Einstein
• Colonel Adolph Bushbeck
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles Angeroth
• Lieutenant Colonel Adolph Bushbeck
• Lieutenant Colonel Lorenz Cantador
• Lieutenant Colonel Peter A. McAloon
• Lieutenant Colonel August Riedt
• Major William Schoenleber
• Major Lorenz Cantador
• Major John N. Lang
• Major Peter A. McAloon
• Major August Riedt
• Major Hugo Von Seidlitz

Regimental Roster

The full roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 27th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster includes names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 27th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (see reports on Cross Keys, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Chattanooga, and Atlanta Campaigns)
• Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Reports
• Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Vol. 1