72nd Ohio Infantry ​in the American Civil War

Overview

The 72nd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Ohio between October 1861 and February 1862 for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment served primarily in the Western Theater, participating in major campaigns and battles across Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. It was known for its active engagement in significant operations, including the battles of Shiloh, Vicksburg, and Nashville.

This unit is distinct from any other Ohio regiments with similar designations or different service terms.

Organization & Service

The 72nd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at large in Ohio from October 1861 to February 1862. Upon completion of organization and full equipment, the regiment was ordered to Paducah, Kentucky, in February 1862. Early in its service, detachments from Companies B and H engaged Confederate cavalry in April, resulting in several casualties and captures.

The regiment saw its first major action at the Battle of Shiloh, where it was engaged throughout the conflict and participated in the decisive charge on the second day. Following Shiloh, the 72nd Ohio took part in the siege of Corinth, Mississippi, suffering heavily from disease despite light combat losses. In May 1863, the regiment fought at Jackson, Mississippi, and then moved on to the Vicksburg Campaign, participating in the assaults on May 19 and 22 and serving on the advance picket line during the siege until the Confederate surrender.

After Vicksburg, the regiment was involved in operations against General Johnston at Jackson and pursued Confederate forces to Brandon. In February 1864, it joined the expedition to the Tallahatchie River, part of Sherman’s Meridian Campaign. The regiment reenlisted as a veteran organization and, after furlough, returned to the field. In June 1864, it participated in the expedition against Forrest, suffering heavy losses at Brice’s Cross Roads, with the majority of the regiment captured. Subsequent operations included the expedition toward Tupelo and a reconnaissance in December 1864, both resulting in further casualties.

During the Battle of Nashville in December 1864, the 72nd Ohio took part in a successful charge, capturing prisoners and artillery, and continued to fight on the following day. The regiment was later sent to Louisiana and participated in the siege of Spanish Fort near Mobile, Alabama, before returning to Mississippi. The regiment was mustered out at Vicksburg on September 11, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Paducah, Kentucky (early 1862)
• Battle of Shiloh (April 6–7, 1862)
• Siege of Corinth (April–May 1862)
• Battle of Jackson, Mississippi (May 14, 1863)
• Vicksburg Campaign (May–July 1863), including assaults on May 19 and 22
• Operations against General Johnston at Jackson and pursuit to Brandon (July 1863)
• Expedition to Tallahatchie River (February 1864)
• Brice’s Cross Roads, Mississippi (June 1864)
• Expedition toward Tupelo, Mississippi (July 1864)
• Reconnaissance and skirmish (December 1864)
• Battle of Nashville (December 15–16, 1864)
• Siege of Spanish Fort, Alabama (March–April 1865)

Casualties

• Battle of Shiloh: 15 killed, 72 wounded, 46 missing
• Brice’s Cross Roads: 248 killed, wounded, or captured (majority captured; few returned to the regiment)
• Expedition toward Tupelo: 21 wounded (5 mortally)
• December 1864 reconnaissance: 11 killed and wounded
• Spanish Fort: 1 killed, 3 wounded
• Losses at Corinth and other campaigns included significant deaths from disease

Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Ralph P. Buckland
• Lieutenant Colonel Herman Canfield
• Lieutenant Colonel Leroy Crockett
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles G. Eaton
• Major Eugene A. Rawson
• Major Samuel A. J. Snyder

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 72nd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides details on enlistment, service, and discharge when known.

To view the complete roster, visit the 72nd 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, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)