Overview
The 174th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Pennsylvania for Union service during the American Civil War. The regiment was composed primarily of eight companies from Bucks County and two from Northampton County. It was mustered into United States service at Philadelphia in October and November 1862 for a nine-month term. The 174th Pennsylvania served in the Department of Virginia and North Carolina, and later in the Department of the South.
This regiment was part of the Pennsylvania militia called up for short-term service and is distinct from other Pennsylvania infantry regiments with different service terms.
Organization & Service
The 174th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) was organized at Philadelphia in October and November 1862. After mustering in, the regiment departed for Washington, D.C., late in November. It was soon ordered to Suffolk, Virginia, where it was assigned to a brigade under General Ferry.
In late December 1862, the regiment was sent as part of a force to New Berne, North Carolina. Subsequently, it was ordered to Charleston, South Carolina, and arrived at Hilton Head on February 5, 1863. The regiment encamped on Helena Island until February 27, after which it proceeded to Beaufort, South Carolina. The 174th Pennsylvania remained stationed at Beaufort until June 1863. For the remainder of its service, the regiment was posted at Hilton Head. The regiment was mustered out of service at Philadelphia on August 7, 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
- Duty at Suffolk, Virginia (late 1862)
- Expedition to New Berne, North Carolina (late December 1862)
- Stationed at Hilton Head and Helena Island, South Carolina (February–June 1863)
- Garrison duty at Beaufort and Hilton Head, South Carolina (June–August 1863)
Casualties
Specific casualty figures for the 174th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) are not detailed in available primary sources. The regiment primarily performed garrison and expeditionary duty and did not participate in major battles during its term of service.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel John Nyce
- Lieutenant Colonel Edward T. Hess
- Major Joseph B. Roberts
- Major J. Mathias Beans
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 174th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.
To view the complete roster, visit the 174th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, relevant volumes
- Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report
- Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 1