70th Ohio Infantry ​in the American Civil War

Overview

The 70th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment from Ohio that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Camp Dennison between November 1861 and February 1862, the regiment was mustered in for a three-year term. It served primarily in the Western Theater and was attached to various commands, including Sherman’s division and the XV Corps. The regiment was noted for its discipline and gallantry in several major campaigns and battles.

Organization & Service

The 70th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Camp Dennison, Ohio, from November 1861 to February 1862. Upon completion of organization and muster, the regiment was ordered to Paducah, Kentucky, where it became part of Sherman’s division. The regiment participated in the Battle of Shiloh on April 6–7, 1862, distinguishing itself for steadiness and bravery under fire. Following Shiloh, the regiment remained in the Western Theater, participating in the advance on and siege of Corinth, Mississippi.

After the fall of Vicksburg in July 1863, the 70th Ohio took part in the expedition against Jackson, Mississippi. Later that year, the regiment was involved in the Chattanooga Campaign, including the battles around Chattanooga in November 1863. In January 1864, the regiment reenlisted as a veteran organization, maintaining its regimental structure. The 70th Ohio then participated in the Atlanta Campaign, engaging in all major battles leading to and around Atlanta. During the autumn and winter of 1864, the regiment marched with Sherman to the sea, taking part in the assault on Fort McAllister in December, where it was among the first to enter the fortifications. The regiment continued with Sherman through the Carolinas Campaign, including the Battle of Bentonville in March 1865. After participating in the Grand Review in Washington, D.C., the regiment was sent to Little Rock, Arkansas, where it was mustered out on August 14, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Battle of Shiloh (April 1862)
• Siege of Corinth (April–May 1862)
• Siege of Vicksburg (May–July 1863)
• Expedition to Jackson, Mississippi (July 1863)
• Chattanooga Campaign (November 1863)
• Atlanta Campaign (May–September 1864)
• March to the Sea (November–December 1864)
• Assault on Fort McAllister (December 1864)
• Carolinas Campaign (February–April 1865)
• Battle of Bentonville (March 1865)

Casualties

According to official records, the 70th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) suffered the following losses:

• Killed or mortally wounded: 2 officers, 52 enlisted men
• Died of disease: 2 officers, 170 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 226

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Joseph R. Cockerill
• Lieutenant Colonel DeWitt C. Louden
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry L. Phillips
• Major John W. McFerren
• Major William B. Brown
• Major James Brown

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 70th 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 those who served in the regiment during its three-year term.

To view the complete roster, visit the 70th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 10, 16, 24, 38, 44
• 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,” Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 2