122nd Ohio Infantry ​in the American Civil War

Overview

The 122nd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment from Ohio that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Zanesville, Ohio, between September 30 and October 8, 1862, the regiment was mustered in for three years’ service. The unit participated in several major campaigns and battles in the Eastern Theater, serving primarily in Virginia and Maryland.

The regiment was notable for its active engagement in numerous operations, including the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and the Shenandoah Valley campaigns. It mustered out on June 26, 1865, after nearly three years of continuous service.

Organization & Service

The 122nd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Zanesville, Ohio, with an initial strength of 927 men. After mustering in, the regiment moved down the Muskingum River and encamped at Parkersburg, West Virginia. Early in its service, the regiment was assigned to garrison and guard duty, participating in various scouts and expeditions in Virginia.

In June 1863, Companies A and F encountered the advance of Confederate cavalry under J. E. B. Stuart near Union Mills, close to Winchester, and after a skirmish, withdrew to Winchester. The following day, the entire regiment was engaged and, with other Union troops, broke through Confederate lines at night to reach Harper’s Ferry. In November 1863, the regiment participated in the skirmish at Brandy Station and later crossed the Rapidan River as part of the Mine Run campaign. The unit then returned to Brandy Station for winter quarters.

During the Overland Campaign in May 1864, the 122nd Ohio fought at the Wilderness, suffering significant casualties on the first day. The regiment continued to be heavily engaged at Spotsylvania, performing skirmish and picket duty under frequent fire. At Totopotomy Creek, it helped capture enemy rifle-pits, and at Cold Harbor, it participated in the general assault, successfully taking and holding Confederate works.

After crossing the Appomattox River, the regiment moved to the Petersburg front, where it engaged in skirmishing and helped secure the Weldon Railroad. The unit then marched to Reams’ Station, fortified its position, destroyed railroad tracks, and returned to Petersburg. In July 1864, the regiment was sent to Maryland, with half the unit fighting at the battle of Monocacy. The 122nd Ohio subsequently participated in the battles of Opequon (Third Winchester), Fisher’s Hill, and Cedar Creek, contributing to the Union’s efforts in the Shenandoah Valley.

Returning to the Petersburg lines, the regiment assisted in capturing Confederate picket trenches in March 1865 and took part in the final assault on April 2. The 122nd Ohio was present at the surrender of Lee’s army at Appomattox and was mustered out on June 26, 1865, with an aggregate of 585 men.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Garrison and guard duty in Virginia (1862–1863)
• Skirmish at Union Mills and Winchester (June 1863)
• Brandy Station (November 1863)
• Mine Run Campaign (November–December 1863)
• The Wilderness (May 1864)
• Spotsylvania Court House (May 1864)
• Totopotomy Creek (May 1864)
• Cold Harbor (June 1864)
• Petersburg operations, including Weldon Railroad and Reams’ Station (June–August 1864)
• Battle of Monocacy (July 1864)
• Opequon (Third Winchester) (September 1864)
• Fisher’s Hill (September 1864)
• Cedar Creek (October 1864)
• Petersburg siege and final assault (March–April 1865)
• Appomattox Campaign and Lee’s surrender (April 1865)

Casualties

According to available records, the 122nd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) mustered out with an aggregate of 585 men from an original strength of 927. Detailed casualty figures for killed, wounded, and deaths from disease are not fully specified in primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William H. Ball
• Lieutenant Colonel John M. Bushfield
• Lieutenant Colonel Moses M. Granger
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles M. Cornyn
• Major Joseph Peach
• Major John W. Ross

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 122nd 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.

To view the full roster, visit the 122nd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes
• 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, Volume 2