55th Ohio Infantry ​in the American Civil War

Overview

The 55th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Norwalk, Ohio, between September and December 1861 for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment served primarily in the Eastern and Western Theaters, participating in major campaigns and battles with the Army of the Potomac and later the Army of the Cumberland. It was known for its involvement in significant engagements such as Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and the Atlanta Campaign.

The regiment mustered in for a three-year term and was composed of volunteers from various counties in Ohio. It was mustered out of service on July 11, 1865, after participating in the final campaigns of the war, including the March to the Sea and the Carolinas Campaign.

Organization & Service

The 55th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Norwalk, Ohio, from September to December 1861. The regiment mustered in under Colonel John C. Lee. In January 1862, it moved to Grafton, West Virginia, and shortly thereafter to New Creek. The regiment was attached to various brigades and divisions, initially serving in the Department of West Virginia and later in the Army of the Potomac and the Army of the Cumberland.

At the battle of McDowell in May 1862, the 55th Ohio served as reserve and supported an artillery battery, though the battery was not brought into action due to terrain. The regiment was present but not engaged at Cross Keys. During the Second Battle of Bull Run, it was under heavy artillery fire but did not engage the enemy’s main line. The winter of 1862–1863 was spent at Brooks’ Station, Virginia, with duties including inspections, drills, and picket service.

In May 1863, the regiment fought at Chancellorsville, suffering significant losses. It marched with the Army of the Potomac into Pennsylvania and was present at Gettysburg, where it lost about 50 men. After Gettysburg, the 55th Ohio was transferred to Tennessee and participated in the Battle of Missionary Ridge, helping to drive Confederate forces beyond the East Tennessee Railroad.

In January 1864, 319 men reenlisted as veterans and were furloughed home, but returned in time for the Atlanta Campaign. The regiment participated in all major actions of the 20th Corps during this campaign, including the battles of Resaca, Cassville, Kennesaw Mountain, and the siege of Atlanta. The 55th Ohio left Lookout Valley with approximately 400 men and lost over 200 during the campaign. It continued with Sherman’s March to the Sea and the Carolinas Campaign, fighting at Averasboro and Bentonville. The regiment was mustered out on July 11, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Battle of McDowell
• Battle of Cross Keys
• Second Battle of Bull Run
• Battle of Chancellorsville
• Battle of Gettysburg
• Battle of Missionary Ridge
• Atlanta Campaign (including Resaca, Cassville, Kennesaw Mountain, Siege of Atlanta)
• March to the Sea
• Carolinas Campaign (including Averasboro, Bentonville)

Casualties

At Chancellorsville, the regiment lost 153 men killed, wounded, and missing. During the Battle of Gettysburg, it lost about 50 men. In the Atlanta Campaign, the regiment lost over 200 men, including more than 90 at Resaca. At Averasboro, 36 men were lost, and at Bentonville, 33. Total casualty figures for the entire service term are not fully detailed in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel John C. Lee
• Colonel Charles B. Gambee
• Lieutenant Colonel George H. Safford
• Lieutenant Colonel James M. Stevens
• Lieutenant Colonel Edwin H. Powers
• Major Daniel F. De Wolf
• Major Rodolphus Robbins
• Major Charles P. Wickham

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 55th 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.

To view the complete roster, visit the 55th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts
• Ohio Adjutant General’s Report
• 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