Overview
The 60th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment from Ohio that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment was organized at Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio, beginning in February 1864, and served primarily in the Eastern Theater. It is notable for its participation in major campaigns of 1864–1865, including the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and the siege of Petersburg.
This unit is distinct from the earlier 60th Ohio Infantry (Three Months’ Service).
Organization & Service
Companies A, B, C, D, E, F, and I of the 60th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) were organized at Cleveland and Columbus between February and May 1864. Company K was organized later, in November and December 1864, for one year’s service. On February 24, 1865, the 9th and 10th Independent Companies of Ohio Sharpshooters were transferred to the regiment and designated as Companies G and H.
After the completion of six companies, the regiment was ordered to the field in Virginia. It crossed the Rapidan River and participated in the battle of the Wilderness in May 1864. The regiment led the advance of a column of two divisions in the attack at Marye’s bridge over the Ny River, where it was specially commended in orders for its gallantry in crossing the stream and capturing the enemy position. The 60th Ohio Infantry was engaged in all major actions involving its corps at Spotsylvania, suffering significant casualties. The regiment also took part in the engagements at the North Anna River, Cold Harbor, the siege of Petersburg, and actions around Richmond. The regiment was mustered out of service on July 28, 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
- Battle of the Wilderness
- Marye’s Bridge (Ny River)
- Spotsylvania Court House
- North Anna River
- Cold Harbor
- Siege of Petersburg
- Actions around Richmond
Casualties
The rolls show total casualties of 505, with only 17 listed as missing. Detailed breakdowns of killed, wounded, and died of disease are not specified in available primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel James N. McElroy
- Lieutenant Colonel Martin P. Avery
- Major William L. Stearns
- Major Henry R. Stevens
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 60th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details for those who served in the unit.
To view the complete roster, visit the 60th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes (Army of the Potomac, 1864–1865)
- Ohio Roster Commission, Official Roster of the Soldiers of the State of Ohio in the War of the Rebellion, Vol. VII
- Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
- The Union Army, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)