126th Ohio Infantry ​in the American Civil War

Overview

The 126th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Ohio for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment was mustered in at Camp Steubenville between September 4 and October 11, 1862, and served primarily in the Eastern Theater. It was attached to the Army of the Potomac and later the Army of the Shenandoah, participating in numerous major campaigns and engagements until its muster out in June 1865.

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

Organization & Service

The 126th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Camp Steubenville, Ohio, from September 4 to October 11, 1862. Shortly after organization, the regiment was sent to Parkersburg, West Virginia, and remained in western Virginia through the winter and spring of 1862–1863. In June 1863, the regiment was engaged in a skirmish at Martinsburg, where Company I was captured in its entirety.

In October 1863, the regiment participated in the engagement at Bristoe Station and was involved in subsequent skirmishing up to Centerville. The winter of 1863–1864 was spent at Brandy Station. In April 1864, the regiment moved to Rixeyville and prepared for the Overland Campaign under General Grant. The 126th Ohio took part in all major actions from the crossing of the Rapidan River to the crossing of the James River, including heavy fighting at Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor. The regiment was part of Ricketts’ Division, VI Corps, and was actively engaged in assaults and holding captured works.

After crossing the James River, the regiment participated in the initial Petersburg operations and then moved to Baltimore in July 1864. It was transported to Monocacy Junction, Maryland, where it played a significant role in the Battle of Monocacy. The regiment subsequently pursued Confederate forces under General Early, engaging at Snicker’s Gap, Charlestown, and Smithfield. It fought at the Battle of Opequon (Third Winchester), suffering substantial losses, and was also engaged at Fisher’s Hill and Cedar Creek.

In December 1864, the 126th Ohio rejoined the Army of the Potomac and spent the winter in the trenches before Petersburg. On March 25, 1865, the regiment participated in a charge on enemy picket lines, and on April 2, it was in the front line during the final assault on Petersburg. The regiment was mustered out of service on June 25, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Skirmish at Martinsburg (June 1863)
• Bristoe Station (October 1863)
• Skirmishing to Centerville (October 1863)
• Brandy Station (Winter 1863–1864)
• Overland Campaign (May–June 1864): including Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor
• Petersburg operations (June–July 1864)
• Battle of Monocacy (July 1864)
• Pursuit of Early: Snicker’s Gap, Charlestown, Smithfield (July–August 1864)
• Battle of Opequon (Third Winchester) (September 1864)
• Fisher’s Hill (September 1864)
• Cedar Creek (October 1864)
• Siege of Petersburg (Winter 1864–1865)
• Final Assault on Petersburg (March–April 1865)

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 9 officers and 111 enlisted men
• Wounded: 10 officers and 379 enlisted men
• Total aggregate losses: 509

Casualty figures are based on regimental and official reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Benjamin F. Smith
• Lieutenant Colonel William H. Harlan
• Lieutenant Colonel Aaron W. Ebright
• Lieutenant Colonel Thomas W. McKinnie
• Major George W. Voorhes
• Major William G. Williams

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 126th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and other service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the full roster, visit the 126th 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, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Vol. 2