91st Ohio Infantry ​in the American Civil War

Overview

The 91st 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 Ironton, Ohio, the regiment mustered in on September 7, 1862, for a three-year term of service. The unit primarily operated in the Western Virginia and Shenandoah Valley theaters, participating in several significant campaigns and engagements.

This regiment is distinct from any other Ohio infantry units with different service terms.

Organization & Service

The 91st Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Camp Ironton and mustered into Federal service on September 7, 1862. Its initial assignment was to Guyandotte, Virginia, where it was tasked with monitoring Confederate movements under Jenkins. Shortly thereafter, the regiment was ordered to Maysville, Kentucky, but was redirected back to Virginia before arrival. The unit then participated in a raid up the Kanawha River, capturing a Confederate camp at Buffalo, though the enemy forces escaped.

The regiment spent the winter of 1862–1863 at Fayetteville, Virginia. In May 1863, it took part in an attack and pursuit of Confederate forces, marching 20 miles and successfully driving the enemy from the region. The 91st Ohio remained at Fayetteville through the following winter. In May 1864, the regiment fought in the battles of Cloyd’s Mountain and New River Bridge. It subsequently joined General Hunter’s campaign against Lynchburg, participating in the engagement at that city.

In July 1864, the regiment was engaged at Stephenson’s Depot near Winchester, where it captured two brass field pieces. The 91st Ohio Infantry also fought in the battle of Opequon (Third Winchester), leading a bayonet charge that broke the Confederate position. The regiment sustained its heaviest losses of the war in this engagement. It continued to serve in the Shenandoah Valley operations through the end of 1864, spent the winter at Martinsburg, and was mustered out of service on June 24, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Kanawha Valley operations (1862–1863)
• Raid up the Kanawha River, including capture of Buffalo camp
• Fayetteville operations (1863)
• Battle of Cloyd’s Mountain (May 1864)
• Battle of New River Bridge (May 1864)
• Hunter’s Lynchburg Campaign (June 1864)
• Battle of Lynchburg (June 1864)
• Engagement at Stephenson’s Depot (July 1864)
• Battle of Opequon / Third Winchester (September 1864)
• Shenandoah Valley operations (1864–1865)

Casualties

Specific casualty figures for the 91st Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) are not fully detailed in all primary sources. It is noted that the regiment suffered its greatest losses in killed and wounded at the battle of Opequon (Third Winchester). For comprehensive statistics, consult Dyer’s Compendium and the Ohio Adjutant General’s reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel John A. Turley
• Colonel Benjamin F. Coates
• Lieutenant Colonel Lemuel C. Cadot
• Major John R. Blessing
• Major Samuel F. Neal

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 91st Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.

To view the full roster, visit the 91st Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts
• Ohio Adjutant General’s Report
• 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