Overview
The Erie Regiment was an independent infantry unit organized in Pennsylvania during the early months of the Civil War. Raised primarily from Erie and Crawford counties, the regiment served the Union and was mustered for short-term service in 1861. The unit is notable for its role as a training and recruiting body, providing experienced men for later Pennsylvania regiments.
Organization & Service
The Erie Regiment was organized in Erie, Pennsylvania, in the spring of 1861, under the command of Colonel John W. McLane, Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Grant, and Major M. Schlaudecker. After initial recruitment, the regiment was sent to Pittsburgh, where it encamped for approximately six weeks. Due to the arrival of additional troops and resulting overcrowding, the regiment relocated to a new camp near Hulton Station.
During its term of service, the Erie Regiment was primarily engaged in drill and camp duties. Despite anticipation, the regiment did not receive marching orders or see active field service. At the expiration of its enlistment term, the regiment returned to Erie and was mustered out. Many of its members subsequently enlisted in other Pennsylvania regiments, bringing valuable training and experience to those units.
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
The Erie Regiment did not participate in any battles or campaigns during its term of service. Its activities were limited to camp duty and drill in Pennsylvania.
Casualties
No casualties from battle or disease are recorded for the Erie Regiment during its period of service.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel John W. McLane
- Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Grant
- Major M. Schlaudecker
Regimental Roster
The complete roster of the Erie Regiment, including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names and, when available, additional service details for genealogical research.
To view the full roster, visit the Erie Regiment Roster page.
Sources & References
- The Union Army, Vol. 1 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)
- Pennsylvania State Adjutant General Reports
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies