9th Ohio Infantry – 3 Years Service ​in the American Civil War

Overview

The 9th 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 between May 27 and June 13, 1861, the regiment was composed primarily of German-American volunteers. It served in the Western Theater and became noted for its discipline and effectiveness in combat.

The regiment was mustered in with 1,035 officers and men, not including its 24-member band. The 9th Ohio Infantry gained distinction for its participation in several major engagements, including Rich Mountain, Carnifex Ferry, Mill Springs, and Chickamauga. The regiment mustered out at Camp Dennison on June 7, 1864, after three years of service.

Organization & Service

The 9th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Camp Dennison, Ohio, from May 27 to June 13, 1861. The regiment was mustered into Federal service for a three-year term. Its initial strength was 1,035 officers and men, with an additional band of 24 musicians. The unit was led by Colonel Robert L. McCook, with subsequent command by Colonel Gustave Kammerling and other field officers.

The regiment’s first engagement occurred at Rich Mountain, West Virginia, where it sustained its first casualties. It next fought at Carnifex Ferry, suffering additional losses. The 9th Ohio played a key role at the Battle of Mill Springs, Kentucky, where it participated in a decisive charge that routed Confederate forces. The regiment continued to serve in the Western Theater, participating in campaigns across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia.

At the Battle of Chickamauga, the 9th Ohio was part of Van Derveer’s brigade and took part in a notable bayonet charge. The regiment held a critical position on the right of General Thomas’s corps, repelling Confederate attacks. Its losses at Chickamauga were significant, with 11 officers and 237 enlisted men killed, wounded, or missing out of approximately 500 engaged.

The regiment later participated in the Atlanta Campaign, including the Battle of Resaca. On May 20, 1864, it began its final march from Kingston to the Etowah River. As its term of service expired on May 27, 1864, the regiment was ordered back to Ohio. It was relieved from the picket line by General Thomas in person and received a warm reception upon its return to Cincinnati. The 9th Ohio Infantry was mustered out at Camp Dennison on June 7, 1864.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Rich Mountain, West Virginia (July 1861)
• Carnifex Ferry, West Virginia (September 1861)
• Mill Springs, Kentucky (January 1862)
• Chickamauga, Georgia (September 1863)
• Resaca, Georgia (May 1864)
• Atlanta Campaign (May 1864)

Casualties

• Rich Mountain: 1 killed, 2 wounded
• Carnifex Ferry: 2 killed, 8 wounded
• Chickamauga: 11 officers and 237 enlisted men killed, wounded, or missing (out of about 500 engaged)

Total casualty figures for the entire term of service are not fully detailed in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Robert L. McCook
• Colonel Gustave Kammerling
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles Sondershoff
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles Joseph
• Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Schraeder
• Major August Willich
• Major Bartholomew Benz

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 9th 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 members of the regiment.

To view the full roster, visit the 9th 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