Overview
The 42nd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Ohio for Federal service during the American Civil War. Mustered at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, in September, October, and November 1861, the regiment served in the Western Theater as part of the Union Army. The 42nd Ohio is notable for its early service under Colonel James A. Garfield, who later became President of the United States, and for its participation in major campaigns in Kentucky, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Organization & Service
The 42nd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Camp Chase, Ohio, between September and November 1861. The regiment mustered in for three years’ service and was initially commanded by Colonel James A. Garfield. On December 15, 1861, the regiment moved by rail to Cincinnati and then by steamer to Catlettsburg, Kentucky, arriving on December 17.
Early in its service, the regiment participated in the battle of Middle Creek, Kentucky, in January 1862, and took part in several expeditions against guerrilla forces in the region. The 42nd Ohio later moved south, joining operations against Vicksburg, Mississippi. In December 1862, the regiment led the advance against the defenses of Vicksburg and subsequently at Fort Hindman (Arkansas Post), where the enemy surrendered soon after the regiment came under fire.
During the Vicksburg Campaign, the 42nd Ohio was engaged at Champion’s Hill and Big Black River Bridge, suffering comparatively light losses in those actions. The regiment participated in the assaults on the Confederate works at Vicksburg, holding an advanced position in the 13th Army Corps. The heaviest losses occurred during the assault on May 22, 1863. After the surrender of Vicksburg, the regiment marched to Jackson, Mississippi, and took part in the reduction of that city before returning to Vicksburg.
Following its service in Mississippi, the 42nd Ohio was ordered to the Department of the Gulf and spent the remainder of its term in Louisiana. The regiment was mustered out at various dates as its service concluded.
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
- Middle Creek, Kentucky
- Expeditions against guerrillas in Kentucky
- Advance and operations against Vicksburg, Mississippi (December 1862)
- Fort Hindman (Arkansas Post)
- Champion’s Hill
- Big Black River Bridge
- Assaults on Vicksburg (notably May 22, 1863)
- Siege and surrender of Vicksburg
- March to and reduction of Jackson, Mississippi
- Operations in Louisiana (Department of the Gulf)
Casualties
The 42nd Ohio Infantry lost 1 officer and 20 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded in action. An additional 18 officers and 325 enlisted men were wounded during its service. Total losses from all causes are not fully detailed in available primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel James A. Garfield
- Colonel Lionel A. Sheldon
- Lieutenant Colonel Don A. Pardee
- Major Frederick A. Williams
- Major William H. Williams
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 42nd Ohio 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 members of the regiment throughout its term.
To view the complete roster, visit the 42nd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 7, 17, 24, 26
- Ohio Adjutant General’s Report
- 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, Volume 2