59th Pennsylvania Regiment, 2nd PA Cavalry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 59th Pennsylvania Regiment, also known as the 2nd Pennsylvania Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), was a Union cavalry regiment organized in Pennsylvania during the fall and winter of 1861. The regiment drew its members from across the state, with significant numbers from Philadelphia, Crawford, and Tioga counties. It served primarily in the Eastern Theater, participating in major campaigns with the Army of the Potomac and earning a reputation for discipline and gallantry.

This unit is distinct from any earlier or later Pennsylvania cavalry regiments with different service terms.

Organization & Service

The 2nd Pennsylvania Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Camp Patterson, near Philadelphia, and mustered in during the fall and winter of 1861. Many officers had prior experience, including service in the Philadelphia City Troop and, in the case of Colonel Richard B. Price, in the Mexican War. Seven companies departed for Baltimore on April 5, 1862, followed by the remainder on April 14. The regiment moved to Washington, D.C., encamped on Capitol Hill, and was mounted and drilled before proceeding to Cloud’s Mills. There, it was assigned to Cooke’s Brigade, 1st Reserve Corps, under General Sturgis.

On August 5, 1862, the regiment marched to the Rapidan near Wolftown and joined General Pope’s army, being assigned to Buford’s Brigade. It saw action in a skirmish on August 7 and participated in the Second Battle of Bull Run, where one squadron was attached to General Kearny’s command and held the stone bridge on the Centerville road. Following the campaign, the regiment suffered significant losses from battle and sickness.

After moving to Fort Blenker in September 1862, the regiment conducted reconnaissance missions to Aldie and Ashby’s Gap, and participated in an expedition to Rappahannock Station. It pursued Stuart’s cavalry to Warrenton, suffering casualties, and continued scouting operations until December 28, when it was surprised at Occoquan by Wade Hampton’s forces, losing over 100 men. The regiment then wintered at Accotink, holding the Occoquan line.

In April 1863, the regiment moved to Fairfax Court House, joined the 2nd Brigade of General Stahel’s Division, and participated in the Gettysburg Campaign. At Gettysburg, it was engaged in controlling stragglers and later escorted prisoners to Westminster. The regiment continued in active service, performing reconnaissance, guarding headquarters, and engaging in skirmishes at White Sulphur Springs, Beverly Ford, Rappahannock Crossing, Bealeton, and Parker’s Store.

During the winter of 1863-64, the regiment received many recruits, and numerous men reenlisted. In the spring of 1864, it participated in the Overland Campaign, including actions at the Wilderness, Todd’s Tavern, and Sheridan’s raids. The regiment was engaged at Haw’s Shop, Trevilian Station, St. Mary’s Church, Deep Bottom, Charles City Crossroads, Malvern Hill, and Reams’ Station, suffering considerable losses. By the end of the campaign, its strength was reduced to about 200 men.

The 2nd Pennsylvania Cavalry continued to serve with the Army of the Potomac’s cavalry, fighting at Wyatt’s Farm, Boydton Plank Road, McDowell’s Hill, and Five Forks, and was present at Lee’s surrender at Appomattox. The regiment participated in the Grand Review in Washington in May 1865. On June 17, 1865, it was consolidated with the 20th Pennsylvania Cavalry to form the 1st Pennsylvania Provisional Cavalry, which was mustered out at Cloud’s Mills, Virginia, on July 13, 1865. Members whose terms had expired were mustered out in Philadelphia.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Skirmish near Wolftown (August 7, 1862)
• Second Battle of Bull Run
• Reconnaissance to Aldie and Ashby’s Gap
• Expedition to Rappahannock Station
• Pursuit of Stuart’s Cavalry to Warrenton
• Action at Occoquan (December 28, 1862)
• Gettysburg Campaign (including actions at Gettysburg and Westminster)
• White Sulphur Springs
• Beverly Ford
• Rappahannock Crossing
• Bealeton
• Parker’s Store
• Raid on Luray
• Wilderness
• Todd’s Tavern
• Sheridan’s Raids (including Haw’s Shop, Trevilian Station, St. Mary’s Church)
• Deep Bottom
• Charles City Crossroads
• Malvern Hill
• Reams’ Station
• Wyatt’s Farm
• Boydton Plank Road
• McDowell’s Hill
• Five Forks
• Appomattox Campaign

Casualties

According to available sources, the regiment suffered significant losses throughout its service, including over 100 men lost at Occoquan in December 1862 and 35 men at Parker’s Store in November 1863. By the end of the 1864 campaign, the regiment’s effective strength was reduced to about 200 men. Precise totals for killed, wounded, and died of disease are not fully detailed in primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Richard B. Price
• Colonel William W. Sanders
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph P. Brinton
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Steele
• Major Joseph P. Brinton
• Major Charles F. Taggart
• Major P. Benner Wilson
• Major Joseph Steele
• Major Robert M. Brinton

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 59th Pennsylvania Regiment, 2nd Pennsylvania Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the full roster, visit the 59th Pennsylvania Regiment, 2nd Pennsylvania Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (Army of the Potomac, Cavalry Corps reports)
• Pennsylvania State Adjutant General’s Report
• 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