49th Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 49th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Pennsylvania for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Recruitment drew from Centre, Chester, Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Juniata counties. The regiment was mustered into U.S. service at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, on September 14, 1861, for a three-year term. The 49th Pennsylvania served primarily in the Eastern Theater, participating in major campaigns with the Army of the Potomac and later the Army of the Shenandoah.

Organization & Service

The 49th Pennsylvania Infantry was organized at Camp Curtin and mustered in on September 14, 1861. The regiment moved to Washington, D.C., on September 22 and was assigned to the 1st Brigade, W. F. Smith’s Division, 4th Corps. The unit spent its first winter encamped near Lewinsville, Virginia.

In early 1862, the regiment joined the Peninsula Campaign, performing siege duties at Yorktown and fighting at Williamsburg, Garnett’s and Golding’s Farms, White Oak Swamp, and Malvern Hill. In August 1862, the regiment was sent to Alexandria and attached to Franklin’s Corps, joining the Army of the Potomac at Centerville and participating in the Maryland Campaign. At Crampton’s Gap, the regiment was engaged but held in reserve at Antietam and Fredericksburg.

After wintering at White Oak Church, the regiment was consolidated into a battalion of four companies in January 1864. In April, new recruits restored the regiment to full strength, and it was assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 6th Corps, remaining with this command for the rest of its service. The 49th Pennsylvania was active at Salem Church, present at Deep Run, and participated at Gettysburg. It later fought at Rappahannock Station, where it was commended for gallantry, and joined the Mine Run Campaign before wintering at Hazel Run. In early 1864, 260 members reenlisted, and with additional recruits and drafted men, the regiment continued as a veteran organization.

The regiment broke camp on May 4, 1864, and was heavily engaged at the Wilderness and Laurel Hill, suffering severe casualties, including the loss of several officers. It next fought at Spotsylvania, where losses continued to mount, and at Cold Harbor. The 49th then participated in the Petersburg Campaign, was sent to Washington in July 1864 to counter Early’s raid, and subsequently joined the pursuit to the Shenandoah River. The regiment returned to Washington, then Harper’s Ferry, and was active at Winchester. After a period of guard duty, it returned to Petersburg, fought at Hatcher’s Run, and wintered at Fort Wadsworth.

In the final months of the war, the regiment took part in the assault on Petersburg, the cavalry action at Sailor’s Creek, and was detailed to guard prisoners to Appomattox. It was then ordered to Danville, Virginia, for a month before returning to Washington, D.C., where it remained until mustered out at Hall’s Hill on July 15, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Peninsula Campaign (Siege of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Garnett’s and Golding’s Farms, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill)
• Maryland Campaign (Crampton’s Gap, Antietam—reserve)
• Fredericksburg (reserve)
• Salem Church
• Deep Run
• Gettysburg
• Rappahannock Station
• Mine Run Campaign
• Wilderness
• Laurel Hill
• Spotsylvania
• Cold Harbor
• Petersburg Campaign
• Defense of Washington (July 1864)
• Winchester
• Hatcher’s Run
• Final Assault on Petersburg
• Sailor’s Creek
• Appomattox Campaign

Casualties

At Laurel Hill in May 1864, the regiment suffered the loss of Colonel Hulings, Lieutenant Colonel Miles, two other officers, and 61 enlisted men killed, with 5 officers and 195 men wounded or missing. By May 14, 1864, only 130 men were fit for duty, with total losses in that period reaching 392 killed, wounded, or missing. At Cold Harbor, the regiment lost 8 killed and 20 wounded. Complete aggregate casualty figures for the entire service term are not specified in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William H. Irwin
• Colonel Thomas M. Hulings
• Colonel B. J. Hickman
• Colonel A. W. Wakefield
• Lieutenant Colonel William Brisbane
• Lieutenant Colonel John B. Miles
• Lieutenant Colonel James T. Stuart
• Major Thomas M. Hulings
• Major John B. Miles
• Major F. W. Wombacker

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 49th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides details on company assignments, ranks, and service records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 49th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (Army of the Potomac, 4th and 6th Corps reports)
• Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report
• 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, Volume 1