40th Ohio Infantry ​in the American Civil War

Overview

The 40th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Columbus, Ohio, during September, October, and November 1861 for service in the Union Army. The regiment served primarily in the Western Theater and was involved in several significant campaigns and battles throughout its term of service. It was known for its early participation in eastern Kentucky operations and later for its actions during the Atlanta Campaign.

Organization & Service

The 40th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was mustered into Federal service at Columbus, Ohio, between September and November 1861. After organization, the regiment departed for eastern Kentucky in December 1861, traveling by rail to Paris and marching to Paintville. There, it joined the forces under Colonel James A. Garfield and participated in the battle of Middle Creek in January 1862, contributing to the defeat of Confederate forces under Humphrey Marshall.

Following the engagement at Middle Creek, the regiment remained encamped at Paintville, where it suffered from sickness. In April 1863, while on picket duty south of Franklin, Tennessee, the regiment repulsed an attack by Confederate forces under Van Dorn. The 40th Ohio then moved to Triune in June and took part in the advance on Shelbyville, Wartrace, and Tullahoma as part of the right wing of Major General Rosecrans’ army.

The regiment fought at the battle of Chickamauga in September 1863, sustaining significant losses. After the battle, it withdrew to Chattanooga and encamped at Moccasin Point, later moving into winter quarters at Shellmound, Tennessee, where four companies reenlisted as veterans. The 40th Ohio participated in the battle of Lookout Mountain, where it was noted for its gallantry.

In May 1864, the regiment joined the Atlanta Campaign, engaging in numerous battles and skirmishes and remaining under fire for much of the campaign after reaching Dalton, Georgia. Between October and December 1864, non-veteran members were mustered out, and the remaining veterans were consolidated with the 51st Ohio Infantry, ending the independent existence of the 40th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service).

Engagements & Campaigns

• Eastern Kentucky operations (including the battle of Middle Creek)
• Picket duty near Franklin, Tennessee (April 1863)
• Advance on Shelbyville, Wartrace, and Tullahoma
• Battle of Chickamauga
• Siege of Chattanooga
• Battle of Lookout Mountain
• Atlanta Campaign (including actions at Dalton and throughout the campaign)

Casualties

Specific casualty figures for the 40th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) are not fully detailed in available primary sources. The regiment sustained losses in major engagements, particularly at Chickamauga and during the Atlanta Campaign. Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Jonathan Cranor
• Colonel Jacob E. Taylor
• Lieutenant Colonel Peter W. Taylor
• Lieutenant Colonel William Jones
• Lieutenant Colonel James Watson
• Major Thomas Acton
• Major John L. Reeves

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 40th 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 those who served in the regiment during its three years of service.

To view the complete roster, visit the 40th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes
• Ohio Adjutant General’s Report
• Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Federal Publishing Company. The Union Army, Vol. 2 (1908)
• Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War