82nd Ohio Infantry ​in the American Civil War

Overview

The 82nd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Kenton, Hardin County, Ohio, between October and December 1861 for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment served primarily in the Eastern and Western Theaters and was notable for its participation in major campaigns, including Gettysburg and the Atlanta Campaign.

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

Organization & Service

The 82nd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Kenton, Ohio, and mustered into service with an aggregate strength of 968 men. The regiment moved to western Virginia in January 1862 and first saw combat at the Battle of Bull Pasture Mountain. It participated in the pursuit of Confederate forces under Stonewall Jackson up the Shenandoah Valley and fought at the Battle of Cross Keys. The regiment was also present at Cedar Mountain and engaged in a skirmish at Freeman’s Ford.

During the Second Battle of Bull Run, the 82nd Ohio suffered significant losses. The regiment spent the winter of 1862-1863 at Stafford Court House, Virginia, and took part in the Chancellorsville Campaign in April 1863. At Chancellorsville, the regiment was heavily engaged and reduced to only 134 men with the colors after the battle. The 82nd Ohio was on duty in the trenches and on picket line until the army’s retreat.

At Gettysburg, the regiment entered the battle with 22 officers and 236 men, losing 19 officers and 147 men killed, wounded, or captured. Only 3 officers and 89 men remained, but the colors were preserved. In the autumn of 1863, the regiment was ordered to join the Army of the Cumberland and participated in the Battle of Wauhatchie, Tennessee, leading the advance up a steep slope. It was held in reserve at Orchard Knob and participated in the actions at Missionary Ridge and the relief of Knoxville.

In January 1864, 321 of the 349 enlisted men present reenlisted as veteran volunteers. After a furlough, the regiment rejoined its brigade and took part in the Atlanta Campaign, including the actions at Resaca and Peachtree Creek, where it suffered heavy casualties. During the siege of Atlanta, the regiment held an exposed position and sustained further losses. The 82nd Ohio then marched with Sherman’s army to Savannah, encountering enemy forces at Sandersville, and later participated in the Carolinas Campaign, including the battles of Averasboro and Bentonville. The regiment was mustered out of service on July 24, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Bull Pasture Mountain
• Cross Keys
• Cedar Mountain
• Freeman’s Ford
• Second Bull Run
• Chancellorsville Campaign
• Gettysburg
• Wauhatchie
• Orchard Knob
• Missionary Ridge
• Relief of Knoxville
• Atlanta Campaign (including Resaca, Peachtree Creek, Siege of Atlanta)
• March to the Sea (including Sandersville)
• Carolinas Campaign (including Averasboro, Bentonville)

Casualties

At Gettysburg, the regiment entered the battle with 22 officers and 236 men; 19 officers and 147 men were killed, wounded, or captured, leaving only 3 officers and 89 men. During the Atlanta Campaign, the regiment lost at least 75 men killed and wounded at Peachtree Creek. Additional casualty figures for the regiment’s full term of service are not specified in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel James Cantwell
• Colonel James S. Robinson
• Colonel Stephen J. McGroarty
• Lieutenant Colonel Bradford R. Durfee
• Lieutenant Colonel David Thomson
• Lieutenant Colonel James S. Crall
• Major Frederick S. Wallace

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 82nd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides details on enlistment, rank, and service records for members of the regiment.

To view the full roster, visit the 82nd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (see reports on Bull Pasture Mountain, Cross Keys, Gettysburg, Atlanta Campaign, etc.)
• Ohio Roster Commission, Official Roster of the Soldiers of the State of Ohio in the War of the Rebellion, Vol. 7
• 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)