103rd Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 103rd Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Pennsylvania for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment was primarily composed of men from Armstrong, Allegheny, Butler, Clarion, and Indiana counties. It was mustered into service in early 1862 and served in the Eastern Theater, participating in several significant campaigns and enduring notable hardships, including the capture of most of its men at Plymouth, North Carolina.

Organization & Service

Recruitment for the 103rd Pennsylvania Infantry began in the autumn and early winter of 1861, with men reporting at Kittanning, Pennsylvania. The regiment left for Harrisburg on February 24, 1862, where its organization was completed. Shortly thereafter, it proceeded to Washington, D.C., and was assigned to Keim’s Brigade, Casey’s Division, Keyes’ Corps.

The regiment participated in the Peninsula Campaign, including the siege of Yorktown and the battles of Williamsburg and Fair Oaks. During the Seven Days’ Battles, the 103rd was positioned on the left of the Union line and was in reserve at Malvern Hill, suffering heavy losses during the campaign. Following this, the regiment was stationed at Suffolk, Virginia, for a period before being ordered to New Berne, North Carolina, in December 1862. It joined the expedition to Kingston and then returned to New Berne for the winter.

In the spring of 1864, the regiment aided in the relief of Little Washington and was subsequently quartered at Plymouth, North Carolina. In April 1864, Plymouth was attacked and captured by Confederate forces; with the exception of one company on duty at Roanoke Island, the regiment was taken prisoner. Many members, including those sent to Andersonville prison, suffered severe losses. In March 1865, eight new companies were added to the regiment, but they were never fully incorporated. The 103rd Pennsylvania Infantry was mustered out at New Berne on June 25, 1865, with only 81 of its original members present.

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–July 1862; in reserve at Malvern Hill)
• Stationed at Suffolk, Virginia
• Expedition to Kingston, North Carolina (December 1862)
• Relief of Little Washington (Spring 1864)
• Defense and Capture of Plymouth, North Carolina (April 1864)

Casualties

The 103rd Pennsylvania Infantry suffered significant losses, particularly during its imprisonment following the capture at Plymouth. According to available records, 132 members died at Andersonville prison alone. Detailed figures for killed, wounded, and disease-related deaths are not fully preserved in surviving primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Theodore F. Lehmann
• Lieutenant Colonel Wilson C. Maxwell
• Major Audley W. Gazzam
• Major James F. Mackey

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 103rd 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 103rd 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