Overview
Independent Pennsylvania Battery I (sometimes referred to as Nevin’s Battery) was an artillery unit organized in Pennsylvania during the Civil War. It served as an independent light battery, mustered into United States service for a three-year term beginning January 7, 1864, at Harrisburg. The battery was part of the Union Army and operated primarily in the Eastern Theater, with duty stations including Philadelphia, Washington, and various defensive positions.
This unit is distinct from the earlier six-months’ service battery of the same designation.
Organization & Service
Independent Pennsylvania Battery I was reorganized for three years’ service at Harrisburg on January 7, 1864, following the expiration of its six-months’ term. Many members reenlisted, and new recruits joined to bring the battery to full strength. After mustering in, the battery was ordered to Philadelphia and subsequently sent to Washington, D.C.
In Washington, Battery I was assigned to the defenses of the capital, specifically stationed at Fort Whipple and Fort Worth. The battery remained on garrison duty at these posts for the duration of its service, performing routine defensive and support roles. It did not participate in major field campaigns or battles during this period. The battery was mustered out of service at Philadelphia on June 23, 1865, following the end of the war.
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
- Garrison duty at Philadelphia (January 1864)
- Garrison duty at Washington, D.C., including Fort Whipple and Fort Worth (1864–1865)
Casualties
Specific casualty figures for Independent Pennsylvania Battery I (Three Years’ Service) are not detailed in primary sources. The battery primarily performed garrison duty and did not see major combat actions during this term.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain Robert J. Nevin
Regimental Roster
The complete roster of soldiers who served in Independent Pennsylvania Battery I (Three Years’ Service) is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster includes names, ranks, enlistment dates, and other service details as recorded in official state and federal records.
To view the full roster, visit the Independent Pennsylvania Battery I (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I
- Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report
- Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- Federal Publishing Company, The Union Army, Vol. 1 (1908)