Overview
The 175th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Pennsylvania during the Civil War. Composed primarily of men from Chester and Montgomery counties, it entered United States service in November 1862 for a nine-month term. The regiment served in the Union Army, operating mainly in the Department of North Carolina and later in the Middle Department.
This regiment is distinct from other Pennsylvania infantry units with different service terms or designations.
Organization & Service
The 175th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) was organized at West Philadelphia in November 1862, consisting of eight companies from Chester County and two from Montgomery County. The regiment mustered into Federal service for nine months, with Colonel Samuel A. Dyer as its commanding officer.
On December 1, 1862, the regiment broke camp and moved via Washington, D.C., and Fortress Monroe to Suffolk, Virginia. At Suffolk, it was assigned to a brigade under General Spinola. Subsequently, the regiment was ordered to New Berne, North Carolina, where it became part of the 5th Division, 18th Army Corps, commanded by General Foster. The winter of 1862–1863 was spent in New Berne, during which time the regiment participated in the defense of the town against a Confederate attack in March 1863. In the spring, the 175th Pennsylvania assisted in the relief of Little Washington, North Carolina, which was under threat from Confederate forces. The regiment then performed garrison duty near Little Washington, suffering significant losses due to sickness during this period.
In June 1863, the regiment was ordered north, moving to Harper’s Ferry, then to Frederick, Maryland, and Sandy Hook. The 175th Pennsylvania Infantry was mustered out of service at Philadelphia on August 7, 1863, upon completion of its nine-month term.
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
- Defense of New Berne, North Carolina (March 1863)
- Relief of Little Washington, North Carolina (Spring 1863)
- Garrison duty near Little Washington
- Movements to Harper’s Ferry, Frederick, and Sandy Hook (June–July 1863)
Casualties
The regiment suffered significant losses from disease during its service, particularly while on garrison duty near Little Washington. Specific figures for killed, wounded, or died of disease are not fully detailed in available primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel Samuel A. Dyer
- Lieutenant Colonel Francis C. Hooton
- Major Isaac McClure
- Major Joseph D. Smith
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 175th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.
To view the complete roster, visit the 175th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 18, 27
- 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)