Overview
The 14th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Months’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for Union service during the opening months of the American Civil War. The regiment was mustered in between April 22 and May 2, 1861, drawing its companies from various parts of the state. It served in the Eastern Theater as part of the initial mobilization following President Lincoln’s call for volunteers.
This unit is distinct from any later organizations bearing the same regimental number for longer service terms.
Organization & Service
The 14th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Months’ Service) was organized at Harrisburg and mustered into United States service between April 22 and May 2, 1861. Colonel John W. Johnston commanded the regiment, with Lieutenant Colonel Richard McMichael and Major Charles N. Watts as principal field officers. After organization, the regiment was ordered to Lancaster on May 9, where it was warmly received by the local population and remained until June 3.
In early June, the regiment moved to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, where it spent approximately two weeks before proceeding to Sharpsburg, Maryland. On July 3, 1861, the regiment, as part of General Robert Patterson’s command, arrived at Martinsburg, (now West) Virginia. During its stay in Martinsburg, the regiment was presented with a regimental flag by local women. The 14th Pennsylvania participated in the subsequent marches to Bunker Hill, Charlestown, and Harper’s Ferry. After these movements, the regiment returned to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where it was mustered out at the expiration of its three months’ term. Notably, one company of the regiment was captured at Falling Waters in July 1861.
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
- Duty at Lancaster, Pennsylvania (May–June 1861)
- Movement to Chambersburg and Sharpsburg (June 1861)
- Advance to Martinsburg, (West) Virginia (July 1861)
- Marches to Bunker Hill, Charlestown, and Harper’s Ferry (July 1861)
- Action at Falling Waters (July 1861; one company captured)
Casualties
Specific casualty figures for the 14th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Months’ Service) are not detailed in available primary sources. It is recorded that one company was captured at Falling Waters in July 1861. No further data on killed, wounded, or disease losses has been found in the Official Records or state reports.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel John W. Johnston
- Lieutenant Colonel Richard McMichael
- Major Charles N. Watts
Regimental Roster
The full roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 14th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Months’ Service) is available on the regiment’s roster page. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details valuable for genealogical research.
To view the complete roster, visit the 14th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Months’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 2
- Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report, 1861
- Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- Federal Publishing Company. The Union Army, Vol. 1 (1908)