81st Ohio Infantry ​in the American Civil War

Overview

The 81st Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Ohio during August and September 1861 for service in the Union Army. The regiment was mustered in for three years and initially assembled at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri, serving primarily in the Western Theater. The unit participated in several major campaigns and battles, including Shiloh, Corinth, the Atlanta Campaign, the March to the Sea, and the Carolinas Campaign.

The 81st Ohio Infantry was notable for its active engagement in key operations and for sustaining significant casualties in several battles. Its service extended from 1861 until its mustering out in July 1865.

Organization & Service

The 81st Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at large in Ohio in August and September 1861. The regiment, consisting of eight companies and nearly 600 men, was sent to Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri, where it began its initial military duties. The regiment was attached to various commands within the Department of the Missouri and later the Army of the Tennessee.

The regiment saw its first major action at the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862, where it was heavily engaged on both days and suffered considerable losses, particularly during a charge on the second day. Later that year, the 81st participated in the Battle of Corinth, losing 11 men killed, 44 wounded, and 3 missing. The regiment established winter quarters at Corinth and remained there until spring 1863, after which it operated in Alabama, including a skirmish at Town Creek in April.

In the fall of 1863, the regiment was transferred to eastern Tennessee, where it spent the winter. In May 1864, the 81st Ohio entered the Atlanta Campaign, fighting at Rome Cross Roads, Dallas, and in the actions around Atlanta. On July 22, 1864, the regiment played a significant role in the defense of Sweeny’s division, capturing prisoners and three battle flags. It continued to participate in the siege of Atlanta, the flanking movement to Jonesboro, and the skirmish at Lovejoy.

Following the Atlanta Campaign, the regiment joined Sherman’s March to the Sea, assisting in the fortifications around Savannah. It then took part in the Carolinas Campaign, including the Battle of Bentonville. The regiment began its return march in April 1865 and was mustered out of service on July 13, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Battle of Shiloh (April 1862)
• Battle of Corinth (October 1862)
• Skirmish at Town Creek, Alabama (April 1863)
• Operations in eastern Tennessee (Fall 1863–Winter 1864)
• Atlanta Campaign (May–September 1864), including Rome Cross Roads, Dallas, and battles around Atlanta
• Siege of Atlanta (July–August 1864)
• Flanking movement to Jonesboro and skirmish at Lovejoy (August–September 1864)
• March to the Sea (November–December 1864)
• Siege of Savannah (December 1864)
• Campaign of the Carolinas, including Battle of Bentonville (March 1865)

Casualties

• Killed in action: 34
• Died of wounds: 24
• Died of disease: 121
• Discharged for disability: 136

Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources regarding total losses.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Thomas Morton
• Colonel Robert N. Adams
• Lieutenant Colonel John A. Turley
• Lieutenant Colonel James W. Titus
• Lieutenant Colonel William H. Hill
• Major Charles N. Lamison
• Major Frank Evans
• Major William H. Chamberlin
• Major William Clay Henry

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 81st Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details when available.

To view the complete roster, visit the 81st Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes X, XVI, XXXVIII
• 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