48th Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 48th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment raised primarily in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, in September 1861, the regiment served in the Eastern Theater and was attached to various commands within the Army of the Potomac and the Army of the Ohio. The 48th Pennsylvania became notable for its participation in major campaigns and for its role in the Petersburg mine explosion.

Organization & Service

The 48th Pennsylvania Infantry was mustered into United States service for a three-year term in September 1861 at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg. The regiment departed Baltimore for Fortress Monroe on September 25, 1861, arriving the following day. After a brief stay, it was ordered to Hatteras Island, North Carolina, on November 11, where it established winter quarters. In February 1862, the regiment participated in the victory at Roanoke Island. Four companies remained to garrison Hatteras Island, while the rest moved to New Berne, assisting in transporting ammunition during the battle there.

By July 1862, the regiment, as part of the 1st Brigade, Reno’s Division, returned to Fortress Monroe and soon joined General Pope’s army at Culpeper in August. The 48th Pennsylvania fought in the Second Battle of Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, and Fredericksburg, earning commendations for gallantry. In February 1863, the regiment was ordered to Newport News, Virginia, and then to Lexington, Kentucky, where it performed guard duty from April to September. Subsequently, it moved to East Tennessee, joining the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 9th Corps, and saw action at Blue Springs, Campbell’s Station, and Knoxville.

Many members reenlisted in December 1863, and the regiment continued as a veteran organization after a furlough. The 48th Pennsylvania participated in the Wilderness Campaign in 1864, suffering significant losses. It then moved to Petersburg, joining in the assault on June 17, where two members received Medals of Honor for gallantry. In July, the regiment excavated the mine that was exploded on July 30, 1864, during the Battle of the Crater, a feat for which it was commended by General Meade. The regiment remained active in the Petersburg operations, including the engagement at Poplar Spring Church and the assault on Fort Mahone on April 2, 1865. After occupying Petersburg and performing guard duties, the regiment returned to Alexandria and was mustered out on July 17, 1865.

Research This Regiment Further

If you’d like to explore this unit’s history in more depth, regimental histories and Civil War reference works offer valuable detail.

Engagements & Campaigns

  • Roanoke Island (February 1862)
  • New Berne
  • Second Bull Run
  • Chantilly
  • South Mountain
  • Antietam
  • Fredericksburg
  • Blue Springs
  • Campbell’s Station
  • Knoxville
  • Wilderness Campaign
  • Petersburg (including assault on June 17 and the Battle of the Crater, July 30, 1864)
  • Poplar Spring Church
  • Fort Mahone (April 2, 1865)

Casualties

According to Fox’s Regimental Losses and Dyer’s Compendium, the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry lost a total of 346 men during service: 11 officers and 145 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded, and 1 officer and 189 enlisted men died of disease. Total deaths: 346.

Field Officers & Commanders

  • Colonel James Nagle
  • Colonel Joshua K. Siegfried
  • Colonel Henry Pleasants
  • Colonel George W. Gowen
  • Colonel Isaac F. Brannon
  • Lieutenant Colonel David A. Smith
  • Lieutenant Colonel Richard M. Jones
  • Major Joshua K. Siegfried
  • Major Daniel Nagle
  • Major James Wren
  • Major Joseph A. Gilmore
  • Major O. C. Bosbyshell
  • Major William J. Hinkle
  • Major Jacob Wagner

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) is available for genealogical and research purposes. This roster includes names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the full roster, visit the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

  • Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (see Army of the Potomac and IX Corps reports)
  • Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report, 1861–1865
  • 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, Volume 1
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