Overview
The 30th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Columbus, Ohio, in August 1861 for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment served primarily in the Western and Eastern Theaters, participating in numerous significant campaigns and battles. It was mustered in for a three-year term and remained active until August 13, 1865.
This unit is distinct from any other Ohio regiments with similar designations or different service terms.
Organization & Service
The 30th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Columbus, Ohio, in August 1861. The regiment was armed and equipped promptly and ordered to the field on August 30, 1861. It moved to Benwood, Virginia, and reached Clarksburg by September 2. Two companies were detached at Big Birch Bottoms, while the remainder advanced to Carnifex Ferry, where the regiment engaged in its first significant action.
During the winter of 1861–1862, the regiment was engaged in constructing fortifications, which proved beneficial to the Union Army on several occasions. In August 1862, the 30th Ohio joined the Army in eastern Virginia and fought at South Mountain, suffering notable casualties. The regiment also participated in the Battle of Antietam, where it incurred further losses among officers and enlisted men.
After its service in the East, the regiment was transferred to the Western Theater. From May 18, 1863, until the surrender of Vicksburg, the 30th Ohio was engaged in demonstrations against Confederate works and performed fatigue and picket duty. The regiment sustained casualties during the siege of Vicksburg. Following the city’s surrender, it marched to Jackson, Mississippi, and, after the evacuation of that city, returned to camp near the Big Black River.
In September 1863, the regiment was positioned in front of Missionary Ridge and, on September 25, participated in the assault and capture of the enemy’s outer works. Later that day, the 30th and 37th Ohio made two unsuccessful assaults on Tunnel Hill, suffering additional losses.
The regiment reenlisted as veterans and, after furlough, rejoined the army for the Atlanta Campaign. It was engaged at Dallas, Kennesaw Mountain, and Atlanta, sustaining casualties in each engagement. The regiment also fought at Jonesboro and participated in the assault on Fort McAllister during the Savannah Campaign. In early 1865, the 30th Ohio took part in the Carolinas Campaign and, following the surrender of Confederate forces, remained on duty until mustered out on August 13, 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
- Carnifex Ferry
- South Mountain
- Antietam
- Siege of Vicksburg
- Jackson, Mississippi
- Missionary Ridge
- Tunnel Hill
- Atlanta Campaign (including Dallas, Kennesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Jonesboro)
- Assault on Fort McAllister
- Carolinas Campaign
Casualties
- South Mountain: 18 killed, 48 wounded
- Antietam: 2 officers killed, 2 officers wounded; 8 men killed, 37 wounded
- Siege of Vicksburg: 1 officer killed, 6 officers wounded; 6 men killed, 48 wounded
- Tunnel Hill: 39 killed and wounded
- Kennesaw Mountain (June 27, 1864): 35 killed and wounded
- Atlanta (July 22, 1864): 27 killed, wounded, and prisoners
- Atlanta (July 28, 1864): 30 killed and wounded
- Jonesboro: 25 killed and wounded
Comprehensive total casualty figures for the entire service term are not fully detailed in available primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel John Groesbeck
- Colonel Hugh Ewing
- Colonel Theodore Jones
- Lieutenant Colonel George H. Hildt
- Lieutenant Colonel Emerson P. Brooks
- Major John Ferguson
- Major David Cunningham
- Major Charles Townsend
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 30th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and, when available, details on service and casualties.
To view the complete roster, visit the 30th 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