140th Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 140th 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 recruited primarily from Greene, Mercer, Washington, and Beaver counties and mustered into United States service at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, between August 22 and September 4, 1862. Serving in the Eastern Theater, the 140th Pennsylvania Infantry became known for its heavy engagement and losses in several major battles, including Gettysburg and the Overland Campaign.

The regiment was attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 2nd Corps of the Army of the Potomac for the majority of its service. It was mustered out at Alexandria, Virginia, on May 30, 1865, following the end of hostilities, with recruits and veterans transferred as required.

Organization & Service

The 140th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, and mustered into service from August 22 to September 4, 1862. Shortly after organization, the regiment moved to Parkton, Maryland, on September 10, 1862, where it guarded the North Central Railroad and underwent drill and discipline. In December 1862, the regiment joined the Army of the Potomac at Falmouth, Virginia, following the Battle of Fredericksburg, and was assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 2nd Corps.

The regiment participated in the Chancellorsville Campaign in May 1863, suffering 44 casualties. It returned to Falmouth before marching to Gettysburg, where it arrived on July 2, 1863, and sustained severe losses in the fighting at the Wheatfield, including the death of Colonel Richard P. Roberts. The 140th Pennsylvania continued to serve in the 2nd Corps, taking part in the Bristoe Campaign, the Mine Run operations, and wintering near the Rapidan River.

In the spring of 1864, the regiment was heavily engaged in the Overland Campaign, including the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Totopotomoy Creek, and Cold Harbor. It participated in the initial assaults on Petersburg in June 1864 and subsequent actions at Jerusalem Plank Road, Deep Bottom, Strawberry Plains, and Reams’ Station. The regiment was active in the Petersburg siege, expeditions to Hatcher’s Run, and the battles at Dabney’s Mill and Hatcher’s Run in early 1865. The 140th Pennsylvania took part in the final assault on Petersburg on April 2, 1865, and was present at Sailor’s Creek and Farmville during the Appomattox Campaign. The regiment was mustered out at Alexandria, Virginia, on May 30, 1865, except for recruits who were transferred to other units.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Guard duty on the North Central Railroad, Maryland (Fall 1862)
• Chancellorsville Campaign (May 1863)
• Battle of Gettysburg (July 2–3, 1863)
• Bristoe Campaign (October 1863)
• Mine Run Campaign (November–December 1863)
• Overland Campaign: Wilderness, Corbin’s Bridge, Po River, Spotsylvania Court House, North Anna River, Totopotomoy Creek, Cold Harbor (May–June 1864)
• Assaults on Petersburg (June 16–17, 1864)
• Jerusalem Plank Road (June 1864)
• Deep Bottom, Strawberry Plains, Reams’ Station (July–August 1864)
• Siege of Petersburg (1864–1865)
• Expeditions to Hatcher’s Run (December 1864, February 1865)
• Dabney’s Mill (February 1865)
• Final Appomattox Campaign: Hatcher’s Run, Assault on Petersburg, Sailor’s Creek, Farmville (March–April 1865)

Casualties

According to Fox’s Regimental Losses and state records, the 140th Pennsylvania Infantry suffered significant casualties:

• Killed or mortally wounded: 10 officers, 189 enlisted men
• Died of disease: 1 officer, 112 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 312

Casualty figures for specific battles, such as Gettysburg (241 total losses), are based on contemporary reports. If additional details are required, consult the sources listed below.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Richard P. Roberts (killed at Gettysburg)
• Colonel John Fraser
• Lieutenant Colonel John Fraser
• Lieutenant Colonel Thomas B. Rodgers
• Major Thomas B. Rodgers
• Major Thomas Henry

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 140th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and service details valuable for genealogical and historical research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 140th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 25, 27, 29, 36, 40, 46 (various parts and pages)
• Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report, 1865
• Dyer, Frederick H. 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