Overview
The 19th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Months’ Service) was a militia regiment organized in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for Union service at the outset of the Civil War. Known as the National Guards, this regiment was mustered into United States service on May 18, 1861. The unit was composed primarily of men from Philadelphia and was noted for its popularity, with more volunteers than could be accepted. The regiment served in the Eastern Theater and was primarily assigned to duty in Baltimore, Maryland, during its brief term of service.
Organization & Service
The 19th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Months’ Service) was organized at Philadelphia and mustered in on May 18, 1861, under Colonel Peter Lyle, Lieutenant Colonel D. W. C. Baxter, and Major J. W. Fritz. The regiment received orders to proceed to Baltimore, Maryland, on May 10, 1861, prior to its formal muster. Upon arrival, the unit was stationed at Camp Pennsylvania, just outside Fort McHenry, and was tasked with maintaining order in the city during a period of heightened tension following the Baltimore riot of April 1861.
One of the regiment’s notable assignments was the arrest of Marshal George P. Kane, the Baltimore City Police Marshal, which was carried out successfully. The 19th Pennsylvania remained on duty in Baltimore at the request of General John A. Dix until additional Union troops could be brought in to relieve them. After fulfilling its service obligations, the regiment returned to Philadelphia and was mustered out on August 29, 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
- Garrison and provost duty in Baltimore, Maryland (May–August 1861)
- Arrest of Marshal Kane (June 1861)
Casualties
Specific casualty figures for the 19th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Months’ Service) are not detailed in primary sources. The regiment did not participate in major battles during its term and primarily performed garrison duty.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel Peter Lyle
- Lieutenant Colonel D. W. C. Baxter
- Major J. W. Fritz
Regimental Roster
The complete roster of the 19th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Months’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. For a full listing of members and additional service details, please visit the regiment’s roster page.
View the 19th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Months’ Service) Regimental Roster.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. II
- Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report, 1861
- Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Vol. 1