60th Pennsylvania Regiment, 3rd PA Cavalry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 60th Pennsylvania Regiment, also known as the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized primarily in Philadelphia during July and August 1861, the regiment was initially referred to as Young’s Light Kentucky Cavalry before being designated as the 60th Regiment of the line. It drew recruits from Philadelphia, Chester, Clinton, Allegheny, Delaware, Schuylkill counties, and Washington, D.C. The regiment was mustered into service for three years and became known for its discipline and efficiency under the command of Colonel William W. Averell.

The 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry served in the Eastern Theater, participating in major campaigns with the Army of the Potomac and later performing provost and escort duties for high command. It was noted for its active service in numerous engagements and for its role as a reliable cavalry regiment throughout the war.

Organization & Service

The 60th Pennsylvania Regiment (3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry) was organized at Philadelphia in July and August 1861. Companies were recruited from various counties and Washington, D.C., and the regiment assembled in Washington, D.C., in August 1861. Colonel William W. Averell, a West Point graduate, was appointed as the first colonel. The regiment spent the winter of 1861–62 at Camp Marcy, engaged in drill and picket duty.

In March 1862, the regiment joined the Peninsular Campaign, participating in the siege of Yorktown and frequent skirmishes and scouting operations. It was active at Williamsburg and endured the Seven Days’ Battles, including a notable hand-to-hand engagement at Charles City Cross Roads. The regiment spent the summer at Harrison’s Landing and was engaged throughout the Maryland Campaign in September 1862.

Late in October 1862, the regiment moved into Virginia, frequently encountering Confederate cavalry under Stuart and Hampton at locations such as Union, Upperville, Manassas Gap, and Hartwood Church. After Colonel Averell’s promotion, John B. McIntosh succeeded him. The regiment wintered near Potomac Creek and was not engaged at Fredericksburg but performed scouting and picket duty along the Rappahannock.

In March 1863, the regiment fought at Kelly’s Ford and participated in Stoneman’s Raid in April. During the Gettysburg Campaign, the regiment was heavily engaged, arriving on July 2 and fighting on July 3, suffering significant casualties. It continued in pursuit operations and performed picket and scouting duties along the Rappahannock and near Warrenton.

In the fall of 1863, the regiment was engaged in the Bristoe and Mine Run campaigns, suffering heavy losses. It wintered at Warrenton, where poor conditions led to only about 75 men reenlisting. In January 1864, the regiment was ordered to Brandy Station for duty with the provost-marshal-general of the Army of the Potomac. During the 1864 campaign, it served as an emergency command and frequently as escort to Generals Grant and Meade.

As the original enlistments expired, about half the regiment was mustered out in August 1864. The remaining veterans and recruits formed a battalion that continued to serve, participating in actions at Boydton Plank Road, Hatcher’s Run, and the final assaults on Petersburg. In May 1865, the regiment performed provost guard duty in Richmond. The remaining members were consolidated into four companies and transferred to the 5th Pennsylvania Cavalry, mustering out at Richmond on August 7, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Peninsular Campaign (1862): Siege of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Seven Days’ Battles, Charles City Cross Roads
• Maryland Campaign (1862)
• Skirmishes: Union, Upperville, Manassas Gap, Hartwood Church
• Kelly’s Ford (March 1863)
• Stoneman’s Raid (April–May 1863)
• Gettysburg Campaign: Arrival July 2, action July 3, pursuit at Old Antietam Forge, Shepherdstown
• Operations along the Rappahannock and Warrenton (Summer–Fall 1863)
• Culpeper Court House (September 1863)
• Bristoe Station (October 1863)
• Mine Run Campaign (November 1863)
• Boydton Plank Road, Hatcher’s Run, Weldon Railroad, Assaults on Petersburg (1864–1865)
• Final Assault on Petersburg (April 1865)
• Pursuit to Appomattox (April 1865)
• Provost duty in Richmond (May–August 1865)

Casualties

During the battle of Gettysburg, the regiment lost 24 men killed and wounded. At Bristoe Station, it lost 19 killed and wounded. The regiment suffered additional losses in various engagements and from disease, but comprehensive total casualty figures are not consistently reported in primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William H. Young
• Colonel William W. Averell
• Colonel John B. McIntosh
• Colonel Edward S. Jones
• Lieutenant Colonel Samuel W. Owen
• Lieutenant Colonel Edward S. Jones
• Lieutenant Colonel James W. Walsh
• Major E. W. Bennett
• Major O. O. G. Robinson
• Major J. Claude While
• Major James W. Walsh
• Major Frank W. Hess
• Major Charles Treichel

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 60th Pennsylvania Regiment, 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s dedicated roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and service details for those who served in the unit.

To view the complete roster, visit the 60th Pennsylvania Regiment, 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 11, 12, 19, 27, 29, 36, 40, 46 (reports and correspondence involving the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry)
• Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report, annual volumes (rosters and regimental summaries)
• 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. 1