83rd Ohio Infantry ​in the American Civil War

Overview

The 83rd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Camp Dennison, Ohio, in August and September 1862 for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment served primarily in the Western Theater, participating in major campaigns in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. It was consolidated with the 48th Ohio Infantry in January 1865, and later with the 114th Ohio Infantry, before final muster out in July 1865.

This unit served for a three-year term and is distinct from any other Ohio regiments with similar designations.

Organization & Service

The 83rd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was mustered into Federal service at Camp Dennison in August and September 1862, with an original strength of 1,010 men. After initial duty in Kentucky, the regiment was ordered to Mississippi, where it saw its first major action at Chickasaw Bayou in December 1862. The regiment was under fire for several days during this engagement, though casualties were not heavy.

At the Battle of Arkansas Post in January 1863, the 83rd Ohio was the first regiment to plant its colors on the enemy’s battlements. The regiment was honorably mentioned in official reports, and the Ohio legislature passed a unanimous vote of thanks for its bravery. The colors were riddled with bullets, and the regiment suffered significant casualties—over one-fifth of its men were killed or wounded.

The 83rd Ohio participated in the Vicksburg Campaign, including the assault on the Big Black River and the second assault on Vicksburg, where it lost about eight percent of those engaged. The regiment remained involved in the siege until the city’s surrender, then took part in operations around Jackson, Mississippi, pursuing Confederate forces to Brandon before returning to Vicksburg.

Later, the regiment was sent to Louisiana, where it was engaged at Grand Coteau, suffering the loss of 56 men, mostly captured. It also fought at Sabine Cross Roads, bearing a significant part of the action, and saw further action at Gov. Moore’s Plantation during a foraging expedition. The regiment remained in Louisiana until spring 1865.

In early 1865, the 83rd Ohio joined the expedition against Fort Blakely, Alabama. During the siege, the regiment captured two redoubts, eight cannon, two mortars, a long line of breastworks, 800 prisoners, two flags, and a large quantity of military stores. The regiment lost 36 officers and men killed and wounded in this final engagement. On January 17, 1865, the 48th Ohio Infantry was consolidated with the 83rd. Members whose terms would expire before October 1, 1865, were mustered out on July 24, 1865. Remaining veterans and recruits were consolidated with those of the 114th Ohio Infantry to form the 48th Battalion Ohio Infantry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Chickasaw Bayou (December 1862)
• Arkansas Post (January 1863)
• Big Black River (May 1863)
• Vicksburg Assault and Siege (May–July 1863)
• Jackson, Mississippi Operations (July 1863)
• Grand Coteau, Louisiana (November 1863)
• Sabine Cross Roads (April 1864)
• Gov. Moore’s Plantation (May 1864)
• Fort Blakely, Alabama (April 1865)

Casualties

At Arkansas Post, more than one-fifth of the regiment was killed or wounded. During the second assault on Vicksburg, the regiment lost about eight percent of those engaged. At Grand Coteau, 56 men were lost, mostly captured. In the siege of Fort Blakely, 36 officers and men were killed or wounded. Total casualty figures for the regiment’s full term of service are not fully detailed in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Frederick W. Moore
• Lieutenant Colonel William H. Baldwin
• Major Stephen S. L’Hommedieu

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 83rd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ 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 83rd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XVII, XXIV, XXXIV, XXXVIII
• 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, Vol. 2