56th Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 56th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized primarily from Philadelphia and the counties of Indiana, Centre, Luzerne, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, and Wayne, the regiment mustered at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, in the autumn of 1861. The 56th Pennsylvania Infantry was attached to various commands in the Army of the Potomac and participated in many of the war’s major Eastern campaigns. Notably, the regiment is credited with firing the opening volley at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Organization & Service

The 56th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, in late 1861. Recruitment proceeded slowly, and the regiment left for Washington, D.C., on March 8, 1862, with eight and a half companies. The unit performed guard duty at Budd’s Ferry and later moved to Acquia Landing in April. In May, detachments were sent to Belle Plain and Potomac Creek, and by late May, the regiment was at Fredericksburg, serving on patrol and picket duty until August 9, when it was assigned to Doubleday’s Brigade, King’s Division, McDowell’s Corps.

The 56th Pennsylvania first came under fire at Rappahannock Station and engaged at Gainesville, where Colonel Meredith was wounded. The regiment fought at Second Bull Run, losing its colors to the enemy, and retreated with the Army to Centerville and Fairfax Court House. In September 1862, it participated in the Maryland Campaign, fighting at South Mountain and Antietam. In November, the regiment supported cavalry operations at Union, suffering casualties and earning commendation for gallantry. The unit was present at Fredericksburg and spent the winter at Pratt’s Landing, Potomac Creek. It participated in the “Mud March” in January 1863 and the Chancellorsville Campaign in April and May.

During the Gettysburg Campaign, the 56th Pennsylvania was part of the 1st Brigade (Gen. Cutler), 1st Division (Gen. Wadsworth), 1st Corps (Gen. Reynolds). On July 1, 1863, it was the first regiment of the corps to take position and is credited with firing the first shot of the battle. The regiment suffered heavy losses on the first day. It subsequently participated in the pursuit of Lee’s army, the Mine Run movement, and the demonstration at Raccoon Ford in early 1864.

Many members reenlisted in March 1864 and, after veteran furlough, rejoined the army for the Overland Campaign. The regiment fought at the Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Bethesda Church, and the initial assaults on Petersburg. In August 1864, the 56th Pennsylvania captured the battle flag of the 55th North Carolina at Weldon Railroad, for which James T. Jennings of Company H received the Medal of Honor. The regiment continued in the Petersburg siege, participated in the Weldon Railroad and Hicksford raids, and was active at Hatcher’s Run in February 1865. It took part in the final operations leading to Lee’s surrender and was mustered out at Philadelphia on July 1, 1865.

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

  • Guard duty at Budd’s Ferry and Acquia Landing (Spring 1862)
  • Rappahannock Station
  • Gainesville
  • Second Bull Run
  • South Mountain
  • Antietam
  • Union (support of Pleasonton’s cavalry)
  • Fredericksburg
  • “Mud March”
  • Chancellorsville Campaign
  • Kelly’s and Beverly Fords
  • Gettysburg
  • Pursuit of Lee’s army
  • Mine Run Campaign
  • Raccoon Ford demonstration
  • Wilderness Campaign
  • Laurel Hill
  • Spotsylvania Court House
  • North Anna River (Jericho Ford)
  • Bethesda Church
  • Petersburg (assaults and siege)
  • Weldon Railroad
  • Hicksford Raid
  • Hatcher’s Run
  • Final Appomattox Campaign

Casualties

The 56th Pennsylvania Infantry suffered significant losses during its service. At Gettysburg, the regiment lost 4 officers and 146 men killed, wounded, or missing on the first day. The regiment also sustained heavy casualties at the Wilderness and other major battles. Comprehensive total loss figures are not provided in all primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

  • Colonel Sullivan A. Meredith
  • Colonel J. William Hofmann
  • Colonel Henry A. Laycock
  • Lieutenant Colonel George B. Osborn
  • Lieutenant Colonel John T. Jack
  • Lieutenant Colonel John A. Black
  • Major John B. Smith
  • Major John T. Jack
  • Major H. A. Laycock
  • Major J. A. Black
  • Major George T. Michaels

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 56th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details for those who served in the regiment.

To view the full roster, visit the 56th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

  • Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts
  • 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
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