52nd Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 52nd Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Pennsylvania for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Recruitment began on August 1, 1861, under the authority of Governor Andrew G. Curtin, and the regiment was mustered in at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg. Its ranks were filled primarily by men from Luzerne, Clinton, Wyoming, Union, Bradford, and Columbia counties. The regiment served in the Eastern and Southern theaters, participating in several major campaigns and sieges, and was mustered out on July 12, 1865.

Organization & Service

Recruitment for the 52nd Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) began in August 1861, led by Col. John C. Dodge, Jr. The regiment completed its organization on November 5, 1861, at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, and departed for Washington, D.C., on November 8. Initially, it camped on Kalorama Heights and later moved to winter quarters on Meridian Hill, temporarily brigaded with the 104th Pennsylvania, 56th New York, and 11th Maine. The regiment was subsequently assigned to the 1st Brigade (Gen. Naglee), 3rd Division (Gen. Casey), 4th Corps (Gen. Keyes).

On March 28, 1862, the regiment moved to Newport News, then to Lee’s Mill, and participated in the siege of Yorktown. It was engaged at Williamsburg and Fair Oaks, suffering heavy losses at the latter. A company of sharpshooters from the regiment, led by Capt. G. P. Davis, gained distinction during this period. During the Seven Days’ Battles, the regiment played a key role in holding strategic bridges over the Chickahominy and White Oak Swamp. In August 1862, the regiment arrived at Yorktown, where it received training as heavy artillerists.

In December 1862, the 52nd reported to Gen. Foster in North Carolina. By late January 1863, it sailed to Port Royal, South Carolina, and in April advanced up the North Edisto River toward Charleston. After the failed naval attack on Charleston, the regiment returned to Beaufort, then moved to Folly Island and James Island, engaging at Secessionville and participating in the siege of Fort Wagner. In December 1863, many men reenlisted and took veteran furlough. Upon their return, the regiment, now 1,000 strong, was stationed at Hilton Head, conducting occasional raids.

On July 3, 1864, the regiment suffered significant losses during an assault on Fort Johnson. It remained on Morris Island through the summer and fall, performing picket duty as boat infantry in Charleston Harbor during the winter. After the evacuation of Charleston, the 52nd joined Sherman’s army in the Carolinas and, following Johnston’s surrender, served briefly at Salisbury, North Carolina. The regiment was mustered out at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on July 12, 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

  • Siege of Yorktown (April–May 1862)
  • Battle of Williamsburg (May 5, 1862)
  • Battle of Fair Oaks (May 31–June 1, 1862)
  • Seven Days’ Battles (June 25–July 1, 1862)
  • Siege operations at Yorktown (August 1862)
  • Operations in North Carolina (December 1862–January 1863)
  • Operations against Charleston, including Edisto River expedition (April 1863)
  • Siege of Fort Wagner (July–September 1863)
  • Assault on Fort Johnson (July 3, 1864)
  • Picket and boat infantry duty in Charleston Harbor (1864–1865)
  • March through the Carolinas with Sherman (Spring 1865)

Casualties

At the Battle of Fair Oaks, the regiment lost approximately half of the 240 officers and men engaged. During the assault on Fort Johnson on July 3, 1864, it lost 7 killed, 16 wounded, and over 100 captured. Comprehensive total casualty figures for the entire service term are not specified in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

  • Colonel John C. Dodge, Jr.
  • Colonel Henry M. Hoyt
  • Colonel J. B. Conyngham
  • Lieutenant Colonel Henry M. Hoyt
  • Lieutenant Colonel J. B. Conyngham
  • Lieutenant Colonel John A. Hennessy
  • Major J. B. Conyngham
  • Major Thomas B. Jayne
  • Major John A. Hennessy
  • Major George R. Lennard
  • Captain G. P. Davis (Sharpshooter Company)

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 52nd Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details for those who served in the regiment.

To view the complete roster, visit the 52nd Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

  • Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XI, XIV, XXVIII
  • Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report, 1861–1865
  • Dyer, Frederick H. 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
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