72nd Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the “Fire Zouave” regiment, was an infantry unit raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for Union service during the American Civil War. Organized in August 1861, the regiment served in the Army of the Potomac and was noted for its distinctive Zouave uniforms and its participation in many major campaigns of the Eastern Theater.

The regiment was mustered into United States service on August 10, 1861, and was initially composed of fifteen companies, numbering 1,487 men. The 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry was attached to the Philadelphia Brigade and saw action in numerous significant battles, including Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and the Overland Campaign.

Organization & Service

The 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized in Philadelphia between August 3 and August 10, 1861, under the command of Colonel DeWitt Clinton Baxter. Many of its members had previously served with Baxter in the 19th Pennsylvania. After mustering in, the regiment moved to Washington, D.C., and was soon ordered across the Potomac to Virginia. On September 18, 1861, it was assigned to the Philadelphia Brigade under Colonel E. D. Baker. Shortly after, the regiment moved to Poolesville, Maryland, where it performed guard duty as part of General Stone’s division.

In the spring of 1862, the 72nd participated in the Peninsular Campaign as part of Sedgwick’s division, Sumner’s corps. The regiment suffered from sickness during the siege of Yorktown due to poor camp conditions and exposure. It saw action at Fair Oaks and was among the last to withdraw from the Chickahominy during the Seven Days’ Battles, suffering losses at Savage Station. The regiment was also present at Charles City Cross Roads and Malvern Hill.

Following the Peninsula Campaign, the 72nd moved with Sumner’s corps to support General Pope and then entered the Maryland Campaign. Under General Howard, the regiment fought at Antietam, incurring significant casualties. At Fredericksburg, under General Owen, the regiment again suffered losses. During the Chancellorsville Campaign, the 72nd was detached to assist engineers at Banks’ Ford and did not participate in the main battle. The regiment remained at Falmouth on guard and picket duty until June 1863.

During the Gettysburg Campaign, the 72nd was engaged at Thoroughfare Gap and Haymarket before arriving at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863. The regiment took position on the left center of the Union line and was heavily engaged during Pickett’s Charge on July 3, suffering severe losses. The regiment continued to serve in the fall campaigns of 1863, including actions at Bristoe Station and Robertson’s Tavern, and was present at Mine Run, though the planned assault was canceled.

In the winter of 1863–1864, the regiment was stationed near Stoneboro, performing guard duty along the Orange & Alexandria Railroad. The 72nd was active in the Overland Campaign, fighting at the Wilderness, Po River, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor. It crossed the James River in June 1864 and participated in the initial assaults on Petersburg and the advance on the Weldon Railroad. In August 1864, as the original members’ terms expired, veterans and recruits were transferred to the 183rd Pennsylvania Infantry. The remaining men were mustered out at Philadelphia on August 24, 1864.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Peninsular Campaign (including Siege of Yorktown, Fair Oaks, Seven Days’ Battles, Savage Station, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill)
• Maryland Campaign (Antietam)
• Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville Campaign (detached at Banks’ Ford)
• Gettysburg Campaign (Thoroughfare Gap, Haymarket, Gettysburg)
• Bristoe Station
• Robertson’s Tavern
• Mine Run Campaign
• Overland Campaign (Wilderness, Po River, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor)
• Assaults on Petersburg
• Advance on Weldon Railroad

Casualties

According to available sources, the 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry suffered the following losses in key engagements:

• 15 killed at Savage Station
• 31 killed at Antietam
• 46 killed at Gettysburg

Comprehensive totals for killed, wounded, and disease-related deaths are not fully detailed in all primary sources. Fox’s Regimental Losses and state reports may provide further breakdowns.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel DeWitt Clinton Baxter
• Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Hesser
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry A. Cook
• Major J. Madison DeWitt
• Major Samuel Roberts
• Major A. C. Supplee
• Major John Lockhart

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and, when available, details of service and casualties.

To view the complete roster, visit the 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry (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, 1861–1864)
• Pennsylvania 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, Vol. 1