Overview
The 7th Ohio Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) was a Union regiment organized from the southwestern counties of Ohio. Known as the “River regiment,” it was mustered into service between September 12 and November 8, 1862, at Columbus, Camp Ripley, Athens, Pomeroy, and Gallipolis. The regiment served in the Western Theater, participating in numerous campaigns across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia. It was noted for its active field service and significant engagements throughout the war.
Organization & Service
The 7th Ohio Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) was organized with 1,204 men and mustered in at various locations in Ohio. Its field service began in Kentucky, soon moving into Tennessee. In December 1862, Companies A and D fought at Carter’s Station, capturing 273 Confederates and a piece of artillery, and destroying a railroad bridge and train. In March 1863, a detachment engaged the enemy at Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, driving them from the state. The regiment distinguished itself at Button’s Hill with two notable charges.
On May 1, 1863, the 7th Ohio Cavalry, as part of a mounted force, crossed the Cumberland River at Mill Springs and attacked General Pegram at Monticello, defeating and driving his force beyond the Cumberland Mountains. The regiment played a prominent role at Rocky Gap and received commendation from General Burnside. During Morgan’s Raid, the regiment was in the advance and first to attack at Buffington Island, contributing to the defeat and capture of enemy forces and materiel.
In September 1863, the regiment was detailed to receive the surrender of the Confederate garrison at Cumberland Gap. It then participated in the night fight at Carter’s Station and the charge at Blue Springs. At Rogersville, the regiment suffered heavy losses, losing 112 men and several officers. It subsequently held the north bank of the Clinch River during the siege of Knoxville and fought at Bean’s Station and New Market. In January 1864, it fought at Fair Garden, capturing prisoners and artillery.
In June 1864, the regiment joined General Burbridge’s expedition to Cynthiana, Kentucky, defeating Morgan’s force and capturing 500 prisoners. From July to September, it was engaged in the siege of Atlanta (“Gate City”), participating in daily skirmishes. The regiment fought at Franklin, Tennessee, on November 30, 1864, and at Nashville in December, where it charged enemy positions and captured artillery. The 7th Ohio Cavalry was mustered out on July 4, 1865, with 840 men remaining from its original strength.
Research This Regiment Further
If you’d like to explore this unit’s history in more depth, regimental histories and Civil War reference works offer valuable detail.
Engagements & Campaigns
- Carter’s Station (December 1862)
- Mt. Sterling, Kentucky (March 1863)
- Button’s Hill
- Monticello (May 1863)
- Rocky Gap
- Morgan’s Raid and Buffington Island
- Cumberland Gap (September 1863)
- Knoxville Campaign
- Carter’s Station (September 1863)
- Blue Springs
- Rogersville
- Bean’s Station
- New Market
- Dandridge
- Fair Garden (January 1864)
- Cynthiana, Kentucky (June 1864)
- Siege of Atlanta (July–September 1864)
- Franklin, Tennessee (November 30, 1864)
- Nashville (December 1864)
Casualties
The 7th Ohio Cavalry lost a total of 560 men to casualties of war during its service. At the time of muster-out, 840 men remained from the original 1,204. Specific breakdowns of killed, wounded, and died of disease are not fully detailed in available primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel Israel Garrard
- Lieutenant Colonel George G. Miner
- Major William Reaney
- Major Augustus Norton
- Major James McIntire
- Major William T. Simpson
- Major John Leaper
- Major Solomon L. Green
- Major Leonard Skinner
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 7th Ohio Cavalry (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 complete roster, visit the 7th Ohio Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and pages covering Western Theater cavalry operations
- 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