141st Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 141st Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment raised in Pennsylvania for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized primarily from recruits in Bradford, Susquehanna, and Wayne counties, the regiment mustered into United States service at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, in late August 1862. The unit served in the Eastern Theater, participating in many of the major campaigns and battles of the Army of the Potomac. The regiment is noted for its high casualty rates in several engagements and for acts of gallantry recognized in official reports.

Organization & Service

The 141st Pennsylvania Infantry was organized at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, and mustered into service in late August 1862 for a term of three years. Shortly after organization, the regiment was sent to Washington, D.C., arriving on August 30, 1862, during the Second Battle of Bull Run. The regiment, still inexperienced, suffered heavily from illness and exposure in its early weeks, with significant numbers hospitalized or unfit for duty.

Initially assigned to the 1st Brigade (under Gen. Robinson), Birney’s Division, 3rd Corps, the regiment remained in Washington for drill and discipline until the end of the Maryland Campaign. It was then posted at Poolesville for picket duty before moving to winter quarters at Falmouth on November 25, 1862. During the Battle of Fredericksburg, the regiment was largely held in reserve, sustaining minimal casualties.

At Chancellorsville in May 1863, the 141st was heavily engaged, suffering significant losses—particularly during a charge on the third day of battle. Lieutenant Colonel Guy H. Watkins was severely wounded and captured. The regiment arrived at Gettysburg on the evening of July 1, 1863, and fought on July 2 at the right of the Peach Orchard, sustaining heavy casualties—nearly 70% of its strength engaged.

Following Gettysburg, the regiment participated in the campaigns in Virginia, including actions at Kelly’s Ford and Locust Grove, and spent the winter at Brandy Station. Its ranks were reinforced by convalescents and transfers from other Pennsylvania regiments. In the spring of 1864, the 141st served in the 4th Division, 2nd Corps, and was engaged in the Wilderness, where it captured prisoners and enemy colors. The regiment fought at the Po River, the “Bloody Angle” at Spotsylvania, North Anna River, Cold Harbor, and participated in the initial assaults on Petersburg. Lieutenant Colonel Watkins was killed at Petersburg on June 18, 1864, and Major Casper W. Tyler assumed command.

The regiment continued to serve through the Petersburg Campaign, fighting at Deep Bottom, Strawberry Plains, and along the Weldon Railroad. It wintered near Fort Hell and took part in the final campaign against Petersburg, including the engagement at Sailor’s Creek. At the surrender of Lee’s army, the 141st was in line of battle. The regiment was mustered out at Washington on May 28, 1865, with remaining recruits transferred to the 57th Pennsylvania Infantry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Second Battle of Bull Run (arrived during battle)
• Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville
• Gettysburg
• Kelly’s Ford
• Locust Grove
• The Wilderness
• Po River
• Spotsylvania (“Bloody Angle”)
• North Anna River
• Cold Harbor
• Initial assaults on Petersburg
• Deep Bottom
• Strawberry Plains
• Weldon Railroad (October and December 1864)
• Final assaults on Petersburg
• Sailor’s Creek

Casualties

• Killed or died of wounds: 156
• Wounded: 404
• Captured or missing: 75
• Total enrollment: 1,036

Casualty figures are based on regimental and official reports. If discrepancies exist in other sources, these numbers reflect the most commonly cited totals.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Henry J. Madill
• Lieutenant Colonel Guy H. Watkins (severely wounded and captured at Chancellorsville; killed at Petersburg)
• Lieutenant Colonel Casper W. Tyler
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph H. Horton
• Major Israel P. Spaulding
• Major Charles Mercur

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 141st Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details for those who served in the regiment.

To view the complete roster, visit the 141st 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 reports, 1862–1865)
• Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report, 1865
• 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