Overview
The 87th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at York, Pennsylvania, in September 1861 for the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment primarily comprised men from York County, with two companies from Adams County. Serving in the Eastern Theater, the 87th Pennsylvania participated in numerous campaigns and battles, including the defense of Washington, the Wilderness Campaign, and the final operations against Petersburg.
The regiment was mustered in for a three-year term and remained active until June 29, 1865, when it was mustered out at Alexandria, Virginia. The 87th Pennsylvania Infantry is noted for its service in both defensive and offensive operations, as well as for sustaining significant casualties in several major engagements.
Organization & Service
The 87th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at York, Pennsylvania, and mustered into United States service in September 1861. Eight companies were recruited from York County and two from Adams County. The regiment initially performed guard duty along the Northern Central Railroad from the Pennsylvania state line to Baltimore during the winter of 1861–62.
On May 26, 1862, the regiment moved to Baltimore and remained there until June 23, when it proceeded to Martinsburg, Virginia. Shortly thereafter, the unit moved to New Creek, where it was stationed until late August. The regiment then joined an expedition to Elk Water under General Kelley, followed by marches to Beverly, Franklin, and Webster under General Milroy in October and November. On December 6, the regiment moved to Petersburg and then to Winchester on December 18, where it went into winter quarters.
In May 1863, the regiment undertook an expedition to Webster, leaving two companies at Bunker Hill on its return. In June, these two companies were attacked and withdrew to Winchester. The remainder of the regiment was engaged at Middletown and Winchester, after which the entire unit withdrew to Harper’s Ferry and camped on Maryland Heights. In early July, the regiment moved to Tennallytown and joined the Army of the Potomac, being assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 3rd Corps. It participated in the battles of Manassas Gap, Bealeton, Kelly’s Ford, Brandy Station, and the Mine Run Campaign.
The winter of 1863–64 was spent at Brandy Station, where 180 men reenlisted. The regiment was then assigned to the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 6th Corps, and took part in the Wilderness Campaign and the movement to Petersburg. At Cold Harbor, the regiment suffered heavy losses, with nearly one-third of its strength killed or wounded. On July 6, 1864, the regiment was ordered to the defense of Washington, D.C., and engaged Confederate forces at Monocacy, sustaining its heaviest losses of the war. The regiment also fought at Opequan and Fisher’s Hill.
On September 23, 1864, original members not reenlisted were mustered out, and the remaining veterans and recruits formed a battalion of five companies, which was engaged at Cedar Creek. In March 1865, five new companies were added, restoring the regiment’s full organization. The 87th Pennsylvania participated in the final assault on Petersburg and the engagement at Sailor’s Creek before being mustered out at Alexandria, Virginia, on June 29, 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
- Guard duty along the Northern Central Railroad (1861–1862)
- Expedition to Elk Water
- Marches to Beverly, Franklin, and Webster
- Operations at Petersburg and Winchester
- Expedition to Webster and Bunker Hill (May–June 1863)
- Engagements at Middletown and Winchester (June 1863)
- Retreat to Harper’s Ferry and Maryland Heights
- Manassas Gap
- Bealeton
- Kelly’s Ford
- Brandy Station
- Mine Run Campaign
- Wilderness Campaign
- Cold Harbor
- Defense of Washington, D.C. (July 1864)
- Battle of Monocacy
- Opequan
- Fisher’s Hill
- Cedar Creek
- Final assault on Petersburg
- Sailor’s Creek
Casualties
According to available primary sources, the 87th Pennsylvania Infantry suffered significant losses during its service. At Cold Harbor, nearly one-third of the regiment’s strength was killed or wounded. The regiment sustained its heaviest losses at the Battle of Monocacy. Detailed casualty figures are as follows when available:
- Killed or mortally wounded: 3 officers, 54 enlisted men
- Died of disease: 1 officer, 85 enlisted men
- Total deaths: 143
Figures are based on Dyer’s Compendium and state reports.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel George Hay
- Colonel John W. Schall
- Colonel William S. Franklin
- Colonel James Tearney
- Lieutenant Colonel John W. Schall
- Lieutenant Colonel James A. Stahle
- Lieutenant Colonel Noah G. Ruhl
- Lieutenant Colonel Samuel S. Bulford
- Major Charles H. Buehler
- Major James A. Stahle
- Major Noah G. Ruhl
- Major F. J. Thomas
Regimental Roster
The complete roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 87th 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 full regimental roster, visit the 87th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes
- 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