Overview
The 8th 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 Dennison, Ohio, in June 1861, the regiment was mustered for a three-year term of service. The 8th Ohio participated in numerous major campaigns and battles in the Eastern Theater, earning distinction for its actions at Winchester, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg.
This unit is distinct from the earlier 8th Ohio Infantry (Three Months’ Service).
Organization & Service
The 8th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Camp Dennison, Ohio, in June 1861. Upon completion of organization and muster, the regiment was assigned to various brigades and divisions within the Army of the Potomac and other commands in the Eastern Theater. Early in its service, the regiment participated in operations in western Virginia, including the battles of Romney and Winchester.
Throughout its term, the 8th Ohio was engaged in several significant campaigns, including the Shenandoah Valley operations, the Maryland Campaign, and the Chancellorsville and Gettysburg campaigns. The regiment was present at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, Mine Run, Wilderness, Po River, Spotsylvania, North Anna River, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg. At Gettysburg, the regiment played a notable role, capturing three stands of colors and suffering heavy casualties. By June 25, 1864, with only 72 officers and men fit for duty, the regiment was relieved from the trenches before Petersburg and returned to Ohio. The original members (except veterans) were mustered out on July 13, 1864. Veterans and recruits were consolidated with those of the 4th Ohio Infantry to form the 4th Battalion Ohio Infantry, which continued in service until July 12, 1865.
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
- First Battle of Romney
- Second Battle of Romney
- Battle of Winchester
- Battle of Front Royal
- Battle of Antietam
- Battle of Fredericksburg
- Battle of Chancellorsville
- Battle of Gettysburg
- Bristoe Station
- Mine Run operations
- Wilderness
- Po River
- Spotsylvania
- North Anna River
- Cold Harbor
- Petersburg
Casualties
At the Battle of Winchester, the regiment lost over one-fourth of its number engaged. At Fredericksburg, it lost 37 killed and wounded. At Gettysburg, the regiment suffered 102 killed and wounded. Complete aggregate casualty figures for the entire term are not specified in available primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel Herman G. Depuy
- Colonel Samuel S. Carroll
- Lieutenant Colonel Charles A. Park
- Lieutenant Colonel Franklin Sawyer
- Major Albert H. Winslow
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 8th 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 8th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts
- 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