78th Ohio Infantry ​in the American Civil War

Overview

The 78th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Ohio for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Recruitment and organization occurred at large throughout the state from October 24, 1861, to January 16, 1862. The regiment served in the Western Theater and participated in several major campaigns and battles, including Shiloh, Vicksburg, and the Atlanta Campaign.

The 78th Ohio Infantry was notable for reenlisting as a veteran regiment in January 1864 and for its heavy losses at key engagements. It was attached to various brigades and divisions within the Army of the Tennessee and took part in the March to the Sea and the Carolinas Campaign before mustering out in July 1865.

Organization & Service

The 78th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at various locations across Ohio between October 24, 1861, and January 16, 1862. The regiment mustered in for a three-year term and departed by rail for Cincinnati on February 11, 1862. From Cincinnati, the regiment traveled by steamer to Fort Donelson, Tennessee.

In April 1862, the 78th Ohio participated in the Battle of Shiloh, entering the fight on the right flank on the second day and remaining under fire throughout the day. The regiment sustained minor losses at Shiloh. In August 1862, it was engaged near Bolivar, Tennessee, with slight casualties. Over the following months, the regiment was involved in operations leading up to the Vicksburg Campaign.

During the Vicksburg Campaign, the 78th Ohio fought at the Battle of Raymond, suffering approximately 80 casualties, and at the Battle of Champion’s Hill, where it lost 116 men killed and wounded. The regiment also took part in the assault on Vicksburg on May 22, 1863, with slight loss, and was later stationed at Bovina until after the city’s surrender.

In January 1864, the regiment reenlisted as a veteran organization. After a furlough home, it rejoined General Sherman’s army at Acworth, Georgia. The 78th Ohio participated in the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain and suffered severe losses at the Battle of Atlanta on July 22, 1864, with 203 killed and wounded. During this engagement, all 13 flag and color-bearers were either killed or wounded. The regiment continued to serve with the Army of the Tennessee through the fall of Atlanta, the March to the Sea, and the Carolinas Campaign. The 78th Ohio Infantry marched to Washington, D.C., and was mustered out of service on July 11, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Fort Donelson Operations (February 1862)
• Battle of Shiloh (April 1862)
• Engagement near Bolivar, Tennessee (August 1862)
• Vicksburg Campaign (1863)
• Battle of Raymond (May 12, 1863)
• Battle of Champion’s Hill (May 16, 1863)
• Assault on Vicksburg (May 22, 1863)
• Siege of Vicksburg (May–July 1863)
• Atlanta Campaign (1864)
• Battle of Kennesaw Mountain (June 27, 1864)
• Battle of Atlanta (July 22, 1864)
• March to the Sea (November–December 1864)
• Carolinas Campaign (1865)

Casualties

At the Battle of Shiloh, the 78th Ohio Infantry lost 1 man killed and 9 wounded. At the Battle of Raymond, the regiment suffered approximately 80 killed and wounded. At Champion’s Hill, losses were 116 killed and wounded. During the Battle of Atlanta on July 22, 1864, the regiment lost 203 killed and wounded. Complete aggregate casualty figures for the entire service period are not specified in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Mortimer D. Leggett
• Colonel Zachariah M. Chandler
• Colonel Greenbury F. Wiles
• Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin F. Hawkes
• Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert D. Munson
• Major David F. Carnahan
• Major John T. Rainey
• Major Israel C. Robinson

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 78th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details when available.

To view the complete roster, visit the 78th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 10, 24, 32, 38 (reports and correspondence relating to the regiment’s operations)
• 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