1st Ohio Infantry – 3 Years Service ​in the American Civil War

Overview

The 1st Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment from Ohio that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Dayton, Ohio, between August 5 and October 30, 1861, the regiment was mustered for a three-year term. It participated in major campaigns in the Western Theater, including significant battles from Shiloh to the Atlanta Campaign. The regiment is noted for its early and continuous service in key operations of the Army of the Cumberland.

This unit is distinct from the 1st Ohio Infantry (Three Months’ Service).

Organization & Service

The 1st Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Dayton, Ohio, from August 5 to October 30, 1861. Upon completion of organization, the regiment was mustered into Federal service and assigned to the Army of the Ohio, later serving with the Army of the Cumberland. The regiment’s initial engagement was at the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862, followed by participation in the advance on and siege of Corinth, Mississippi. During this period, the regiment engaged in several skirmishes, including a notable action at Bridge Creek on May 27, 1862.

In the fall of 1862, the 1st Ohio marched with General Buell’s army into Kentucky, engaging Confederate forces at Dog Walk. The regiment continued to serve actively, fighting at the Battle of Stone’s River from December 31, 1862, to January 2, 1863. At Chickamauga in September 1863, the regiment was positioned in the front line of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 20th Corps, and took part in a charge to recapture lost ground. The regiment also participated in the assault at Orchard Knob and the Battle of Missionary Ridge in November 1863, where it advanced with its brigade up the steep slopes under heavy fire.

In 1864, the 1st Ohio Infantry joined Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign, seeing action at the crossing of the Chattahoochee River on July 6, 1864. The original members, except veterans, were mustered out on September 24, 1864. Remaining veterans and recruits were transferred to the 18th Veteran Ohio Infantry on October 31, 1864, marking the end of the regiment’s service as a distinct unit.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Battle of Shiloh (April 1862)
• Siege of Corinth (April–May 1862)
• Skirmish at Bridge Creek (May 27, 1862)
• March to Kentucky and engagement at Dog Walk (Fall 1862)
• Battle of Stone’s River (December 31, 1862 – January 2, 1863)
• Battle of Chickamauga (September 19–20, 1863)
• Orchard Knob (November 23, 1863)
• Battle of Missionary Ridge (November 25, 1863)
• Atlanta Campaign, including crossing of Chattahoochee River (July 6, 1864)

Casualties

According to official reports, the 1st Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) suffered significant losses during its term. At Chickamauga alone, the regiment lost 120 killed and wounded over two days of fighting. Complete aggregate casualty figures for the entire service term are not specified in all sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Benjamin F. Smith
• Colonel Edwin A. Parrot
• Lieutenant Colonel E. Bassett Langdon
• Major Joab A. Stafford

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 1st Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 1st 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, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 2