46th Ohio Infantry ​in the American Civil War

Overview

The 46th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Worthington, Ohio, for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Mustered between October 23, 1861, and January 28, 1862, the regiment served primarily in the Western Theater. The unit became known for its use of Spencer repeating rifles and its notable combat record in several major campaigns.

This regiment served the Union cause from early 1862 until the end of the war, participating in significant operations including the battles of Shiloh, Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge, and the Atlanta Campaign.

Organization & Service

The 46th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Worthington, Ohio, and mustered in for three years’ service between October 23, 1861, and January 28, 1862. The regiment was sent to the field from Camp Chase in February 1862, reporting at Paducah, Kentucky, with an initial strength of approximately 975 men.

The regiment saw its first major action at the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862, suffering significant casualties. Following Shiloh, the 46th Ohio remained on the field until April 27, then advanced with the Union Army toward Corinth, Mississippi. In June 1863, the regiment was transported to Vicksburg and took part in the siege operations there. It subsequently participated in the campaign against Jackson, Mississippi, enduring harsh conditions.

Later in 1863, the regiment fought at Missionary Ridge, sustaining heavy losses, and then joined the campaign to relieve Knoxville, Tennessee. After wintering at Scottsboro, Alabama, the regiment reenlisted as a veteran organization and, following furlough, returned to active service.

In May 1864, the 46th Ohio moved toward Chattanooga and participated in the Atlanta Campaign, including actions at Resaca, Dallas, and Kennesaw Mountain. The regiment’s use of Spencer rifles was particularly effective during engagements at Dallas. The unit continued to serve through the siege and battles around Atlanta, including the defense of the 17th Corps and the movement to Jonesboro, where it captured enemy positions. The regiment participated in the final campaigns of Sherman’s army and was mustered out of service on July 22, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Battle of Shiloh (April 1862)
• Advance on and Siege of Corinth (April–May 1862)
• Siege of Vicksburg (June–July 1863)
• Jackson, Mississippi Campaign (July 1863)
• Battle of Missionary Ridge (November 1863)
• Knoxville Campaign (November–December 1863)
• Atlanta Campaign (May–September 1864), including Resaca, Dallas, Kennesaw Mountain, and actions around Atlanta
• Battle of Jonesboro (September 1864)
• March to the Sea and Carolinas Campaign (late 1864–1865)

Casualties

The 46th Ohio Infantry lost a total of 705 men killed, wounded, and died of disease during its service. The regiment also had 20 men captured. At the Battle of Shiloh alone, it suffered 280 killed and wounded, and 15 captured. Detailed breakdowns of killed, wounded, and disease-related deaths are not fully specified in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Thomas Worthington
• Colonel Charles C. Walcutt
• Lieutenant Colonel William Smith
• Lieutenant Colonel Isaac N. Alexander
• Lieutenant Colonel Edward N. Upton
• Major Henry H. Giesy
• Major John B. Neil

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 46th 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 as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 46th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes
• Ohio Roster Commission, Official Roster of the Soldiers of the State of Ohio in the War of the Rebellion
• Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• The Union Army, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)