120th Ohio Infantry ​in the American Civil War

Overview

The 120th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Mansfield, Ohio, from October 7 to 17, 1862, for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Mustered in with an aggregate strength of 949 men, the regiment served primarily in the Western Theater. It was consolidated with the 114th Ohio Infantry on November 27, 1864. The 120th Ohio Infantry is noted for its participation in the Vicksburg Campaign and its capture during the Red River operations in 1864.

Organization & Service

The 120th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Mansfield, Ohio, and mustered into United States service between October 7 and 17, 1862. The regiment’s initial assignment was in Kentucky, where it performed garrison and guard duties. In late 1862, the regiment was ordered south in preparation for the Vicksburg Campaign.

During the operations at Chickasaw Bayou in December 1862, the 120th Ohio was tasked with covering a working party laying a pontoon bridge and was exposed to enemy fire throughout the day, though it did not participate directly in the assault on the bluffs. In January 1863, the regiment took part in the assault on Arkansas Post, positioned on the extreme left and participating in the charge on the fort.

In the spring of 1863, the regiment was engaged at Port Gibson, suffering significant casualties. It remained at Vicksburg as part of the besieging force until May 24, 1863, when it was ordered to the Big Black River to guard against Confederate forces under General Joseph E. Johnston. The regiment continued in this duty until after the fall of Vicksburg in July 1863. Subsequently, it participated in the operations against Jackson, Mississippi, remaining engaged until the Confederate evacuation.

In August 1863, the 120th Ohio was ordered to Louisiana, where it remained until May 1864. While aboard the transport “City Belle” on the Red River near Snaggy Point in May 1864, the regiment was attacked by a large Confederate force and compelled to surrender, with only a few men escaping. The regiment was consolidated with the 114th Ohio Infantry on November 27, 1864, ceasing to exist as a separate unit.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Chickasaw Bayou (December 1862)
• Arkansas Post (January 1863)
• Port Gibson (May 1863)
• Siege of Vicksburg (May–July 1863)
• Jackson, Mississippi (July 1863)
• Red River Operations, including action at Snaggy Point (May 1864)

Casualties

The aggregate losses of the 120th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) numbered approximately 600 men by the time of its consolidation in November 1864. Detailed breakdowns of killed, wounded, and died of disease are not fully specified in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Daniel French
• Colonel Marcus M. Spiegel
• Lieutenant Colonel John W. Beekman
• Lieutenant Colonel Williard Slocum
• Major John F. McKinley

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 120th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 120th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XVII, XXIV, XXXIV
• 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