186th Ohio Infantry ​in the American Civil War

Overview

The 186th Ohio Infantry (One Year Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Ohio for Union service during the final months of the American Civil War. The regiment was formed at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, in February 1865 and served primarily in Tennessee. It was part of the Union Army’s efforts to maintain order and security in the South during the closing phase of the conflict and the beginning of Reconstruction.

This regiment served for a one-year term and was among the last Ohio infantry units organized before the end of the war. Its service was characterized by garrison and occupation duties rather than major combat operations.

Organization & Service

The 186th Ohio Infantry was organized at Camp Chase in February 1865, with Colonel Thomas F. Wildes commanding. The regiment mustered into Federal service for one year. On March 2, 1865, the regiment departed Camp Chase for Nashville, Tennessee, arriving there before moving to Murfreesboro on March 8 and reaching that location on March 10. The regiment’s primary assignment was at Cleveland, Tennessee, where it established camp and performed garrison duties.

On May 2, 1865, the 186th Ohio Infantry moved to Dalton, Georgia, remaining only a few days before transferring to Chattanooga, Tennessee. The regiment continued its duties in Chattanooga until July 20, when it was relieved and ordered back to Nashville. The 186th Ohio Infantry was mustered out of service on September 18, 1865, in accordance with orders from the War Department.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Garrison duty at Cleveland, Tennessee (March–May 1865)
• Movement to Dalton, Georgia (May 1865)
• Garrison duty at Chattanooga, Tennessee (May–July 1865)
• Garrison duty at Nashville, Tennessee (July–September 1865)

Casualties

Specific casualty figures for the 186th Ohio Infantry (One Year Service) are not detailed in primary sources. The regiment’s service was primarily garrison duty, and it did not participate in major battles. Available records do not indicate significant combat losses.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Thomas F. Wildes
• Lieutenant Colonel George Wilhelm
• Major Wesley L. Patterson

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 186th Ohio Infantry (One Year Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details for those who served in the regiment.

To view the complete roster, visit the 186th Ohio Infantry (One Year 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 on the Rebellion”
• Dyer, Frederick H., “A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion”
• Federal Publishing Company, “The Union Army,” Vol. 2 (1908)