27th US Colored Troops in the American Civil War

Overview

The 27th US Colored Troops (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment of African American soldiers organized for the Union Army during the American Civil War. Raised at Camp Delaware, Ohio, between January 16 and August 6, 1864, the regiment served in the Eastern Theater. It was mustered into United States service for a three-year term and played a notable role in several major operations, particularly in Virginia and North Carolina.

The regiment earned distinction for its gallantry and discipline in combat, especially at Petersburg, Chaffin’s Farm, and during the operations against Fort Fisher. Its service contributed to the Union’s final campaigns in the South.

Organization & Service

The 27th US Colored Troops was organized at Camp Delaware, Ohio, from January 16 to August 6, 1864. Upon completion of its organization, the regiment was mustered into federal service for three years. Shortly after mustering in, the unit was ordered to Camp Casey, near Washington, D.C., where it performed garrison duty for a period.

Following its initial assignment, the regiment was sent to City Point and then to Petersburg, Virginia. At Petersburg, the 27th USCT distinguished itself for gallantry and good conduct on the battlefield. The regiment also participated in the actions at Chaffin’s Farm and along the Weldon Railroad, further demonstrating its effectiveness in combat.

Later in its service, the regiment was transferred to North Carolina, where it alternated between garrison duty and active operations. It took part in the campaigns around Fort Fisher, Wilmington, Goldsboro, and Raleigh. The regiment’s conduct throughout these operations earned the confidence and approval of its superior officers. The 27th US Colored Troops was mustered out of service on September 21, 1865, at Smithville, North Carolina.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Garrison duty at Camp Casey, Washington, D.C.
• Operations at City Point and Petersburg, Virginia
• Battle of Petersburg
• Battle of Chaffin’s Farm
• Operations along the Weldon Railroad
• Operations at Fort Fisher, North Carolina
• Campaigns at Wilmington, Goldsboro, and Raleigh, North Carolina

Casualties

• Killed in action: 18
• Died of disease or wounds: 149
• Total known deaths: 167

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Albert M. Blackman
• Lieutenant Colonel John W. Donnellon
• Major William G. Neilson
• Major Mathew R. Mitchell

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 27th US Colored Troops (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details for members of the regiment.

To view the complete roster, visit the 27th US Colored Troops (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