Overview
The 168th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) was a Union militia regiment organized from the counties of Westmoreland, Fayette, Greene, Beaver, Allegheny, and Erie. The regiment was mustered into United States service at Pittsburg between October 16 and December 1, 1862, for a term of nine months. Serving in the infantry branch, the 168th Pennsylvania operated primarily in the Department of Virginia and North Carolina during its brief period of service.
This regiment was part of the Union Army and participated in operations in North Carolina and Maryland, but did not engage in any major battles. Its service included garrison duty, expeditions, and movement in response to Confederate threats during the Gettysburg Campaign.
Organization & Service
The 168th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) was organized at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, with men drawn from several western counties. The regiment was mustered into Federal service from October 16 to December 1, 1862. Shortly after organization, the regiment departed Pittsburg for Washington, D.C., on December 2, 1862.
Upon arrival in Washington, the regiment was ordered to Suffolk, Virginia, where it was assigned to Spinola’s (Keystone) Brigade. In late December, the 168th Pennsylvania moved to New Berne, North Carolina, arriving on January 1, 1863. While stationed at New Berne, the regiment participated in several expeditions, though none resulted in direct combat. During the siege of Little Washington, the regiment was stationed in the town and remained there until June 28, 1863.
After leaving Little Washington, the regiment proceeded to Fortress Monroe, Virginia, and then joined the Union forces at White House Landing as part of the movement toward Richmond. In response to the Confederate invasion of Pennsylvania, the regiment was ordered to Harper’s Ferry, but did not participate in the Battle of Gettysburg. The 168th Pennsylvania joined the Army of the Potomac at Boonesboro, Maryland, and spent a brief period at Middleton, Maryland. The regiment was mustered out of service at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on July 25, 1863.
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
- Expeditions from New Berne, North Carolina (January–June 1863)
- Siege of Little Washington, North Carolina (Spring 1863)
- Movement to Fortress Monroe and White House Landing, Virginia (June 1863)
- Movement to Harper’s Ferry and Boonesboro, Maryland (July 1863)
Casualties
Available primary sources do not provide detailed casualty figures for the 168th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service). The regiment did not participate in major battles and is not recorded as having suffered significant losses in action.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel Joseph Jack
- Lieutenant Colonel John Murphy
- Major John J. Cree
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 168th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details for members of the regiment.
To view the complete roster, visit the 168th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. XVIII, XXVII
- Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report
- Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- Federal Publishing Company, The Union Army, Vol. 1 (1908)