Overview
The 10th 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 near Cincinnati, the regiment mustered in for three years’ service on June 4, 1861. The unit was primarily active in the Western Theater and became notable for its early combat at Carnifex Ferry, its role as headquarters and provost guard for the Army of the Cumberland, and its participation in several major campaigns and battles.
This unit is distinct from the 10th Ohio Infantry (Three Months’ Service).
Organization & Service
The 10th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Camp Dennison and mustered into Federal service on June 4, 1861. Its initial engagement occurred at Carnifex Ferry, West Virginia, where the regiment advanced under fire and suffered significant casualties. Following this, the regiment participated in the western Virginia campaign under General Rosecrans, including the pursuit of Confederate forces from Cotton Mountain.
After operations in western Virginia, the regiment moved through Kentucky and Tennessee into northern Alabama, serving under General O. M. Mitchell. It took part in the pursuit of Confederate General Bragg into Kentucky, enduring considerable hardship during the campaign. At the Battle of Perryville, the regiment executed a charge that resulted in heavy losses and a difficult withdrawal, with only 263 men remaining from 528 engaged.
Subsequently, the 10th Ohio was designated as headquarters and provost guard for the Army of the Cumberland, a role it maintained under both Generals Rosecrans and Thomas. The regiment was responsible for guarding headquarters, managing prisoners, and maintaining order during engagements. It was present at Stone’s River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Buzzard Roost, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, and advanced as far as Kingston during the Atlanta Campaign. As its term of service neared completion, the regiment was formally recognized by General Thomas before mustering out and returning to Cincinnati, where it was welcomed home.
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
- Carnifex Ferry, West Virginia
- Western Virginia Campaign (1861)
- Pursuit of Floyd from Cotton Mountain
- Operations in Kentucky and Tennessee
- Battle of Perryville
- Battle of Stone’s River
- Battle of Chickamauga
- Missionary Ridge
- Buzzard Roost
- Rocky Face Ridge
- Resaca
- Atlanta Campaign (to Kingston)
Casualties
According to official records, the 10th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) sustained significant losses during its service. At Perryville, the regiment was reduced from 528 to 263 men in a single engagement. Comprehensive casualty figures for the entire term include:
- Killed or mortally wounded: 5 officers, 86 enlisted men
- Died of disease: 1 officer, 82 enlisted men
- Total deaths: 174
Figures are based on Dyer’s Compendium and Ohio Adjutant General reports.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel William H. Lytle
- Colonel Joseph W. Burke
- Lieutenant Colonel Herman J. Korf
- Lieutenant Colonel Robert M. Moore
- Lieutenant Colonel William M. Ward
- Major John E. Hudson
Regimental Roster
The complete roster of the 10th Ohio Infantry (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 full roster, visit the 10th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 4, 10, 16, 23, 30, 38
- Ohio Roster Commission, Official Roster of the Soldiers of the State of Ohio in the War of the Rebellion, Vol. 2
- 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, Vol. 2