Overview
The 157th Ohio Infantry (One Hundred Days’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Ohio for Federal service during the American Civil War. Mustered at Camp Chase on May 15, 1864, the regiment was composed primarily of men from the 39th Battalion, Ohio National Guard (Jefferson County), and the 88th Battalion, Ohio National Guard (Carroll County). The unit served the Union in the Eastern Theater, primarily in garrison and guard roles.
This regiment served for a term of 100 days and was primarily tasked with guarding Confederate prisoners, rather than engaging in field operations or major battles.
Organization & Service
The 157th Ohio Infantry (One Hundred Days’ Service) was organized at Camp Chase, Ohio, on May 15, 1864. Shortly after formation, the regiment was ordered to Baltimore, Maryland, on May 17, where it reported to General Lew Wallace and was assigned to General Tyler’s command. After a brief period in camp, the regiment was directed by the War Department to Fort Delaware.
At Fort Delaware, the 157th Ohio Infantry performed guard duty over a large population of Confederate prisoners, estimated between 12,000 and 14,000. The regiment remained at this post for the duration of its service, focusing on maintaining security and order within the prison facility. The regiment did not participate in field campaigns or major combat operations during its term.
Upon completion of its 100-day service, the regiment returned to Camp Chase and was mustered out on September 2, 1864. Company C, which had been on detached duty, was mustered out separately on September 10, 1864.
Research This Regiment Further
If you’d like to explore this unit’s history in more depth, regimental histories and Civil War reference works offer valuable detail.
Engagements & Campaigns
- Guard duty at Baltimore, Maryland (May–June 1864)
- Garrison and guard duty at Fort Delaware (June–September 1864)
Casualties
Specific casualty figures for the 157th Ohio Infantry (One Hundred Days’ Service) are not detailed in primary sources. The regiment’s service was primarily limited to guard duty, and it did not participate in combat operations.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel George W. McCook
- Lieutenant Colonel John Morrow
- Major William Herron
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 157th Ohio Infantry (One Hundred Days’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details for members of the regiment.
To view the complete roster, visit the 157th Ohio Infantry (One Hundred Days’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, relevant 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
- Federal Publishing Company, The Union Army, Vol. 2 (1908)