126th Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 126th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Pennsylvania for Union service during the American Civil War. The regiment was recruited primarily from Juniata, Fulton, and Franklin counties in response to the call of July 1862. It was mustered into United States service at Harrisburg in early August 1862 for a nine-month term. The regiment served in the Eastern Theater and was attached to the Army of the Potomac, participating in major campaigns in Virginia and Maryland.

The 126th Pennsylvania Infantry is noted for its involvement in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, where it sustained significant casualties and received commendations for its conduct under fire. The regiment was mustered out of service on May 20, 1863, at Harrisburg.

Organization & Service

The 126th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) was organized at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in early August 1862. The regiment was composed of volunteers from Juniata, Fulton, and Franklin counties. After mustering in, the regiment moved to Washington, D.C., on August 15, 1862, and was stationed at Cloud’s Mills, Virginia. Here, it was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 5th Corps of the Army of the Potomac.

On September 12, 1862, the regiment marched toward Antietam but was held in reserve during the battle. Following the Maryland Campaign, the 126th encamped at Sharpsburg, Maryland. The regiment subsequently moved to Warrenton, Virginia, and then to Falmouth, Virginia, as the army prepared for winter operations.

During the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862, the 126th Pennsylvania participated in the charge of Humphrey’s Division against Marye’s Heights, suffering severe losses. The regiment’s conduct was commended by Generals Hooker and Tyler. In January 1863, the regiment took part in the unsuccessful “Mud March.” It then established winter quarters at Falmouth, remaining there until the Chancellorsville Campaign in late April 1863. At Chancellorsville, the regiment was heavily engaged on May 2, holding its ground until its ammunition was exhausted and then withdrawing after sustaining heavy casualties. General Tyler praised the regiment’s courage and steadiness in this action. The 126th Pennsylvania Infantry was mustered out at Harrisburg on May 20, 1863.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Maryland Campaign (reserve at Antietam, September 1862)
• Battle of Fredericksburg (December 1862)
• “Mud March” (January 1863)
• Chancellorsville Campaign (April–May 1863)
• Battle of Chancellorsville (May 1863)

Casualties

According to official reports, the 126th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) suffered significant losses during its term of service, particularly at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. Fox’s Regimental Losses records approximately 27 killed or mortally wounded and 44 wounded at Fredericksburg, and 10 killed or mortally wounded and 39 wounded at Chancellorsville. Total losses for the regiment during its service term were reported as 37 killed or mortally wounded and 81 wounded. Disease and other causes accounted for additional losses, but precise figures vary by source.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel James G. Elder
• Lieutenant Colonel D. W. Rowe
• Major James C. Austin
• Major Robert S. Brownson

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 126th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides details on company assignments, ranks, and service records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 126th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 19, 21, 25
• 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