61st Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 61st Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in August 1861. Mustered into United States service at Camp Copeland on September 7, 1861, the regiment served in the Union Army throughout the Eastern Theater of the Civil War. The unit was known for its heavy engagement in major campaigns and its reputation as one of Pennsylvania’s “fighting regiments.”

The regiment initially mustered about 600 men and was led by officers with prior military experience, including service in the Mexican War. Throughout its service, the 61st Pennsylvania Infantry participated in many of the war’s most significant battles and campaigns, suffering substantial casualties and earning commendations for gallantry.

Organization & Service

The 61st Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was recruited primarily in Pittsburgh in August 1861 and mustered in at Camp Copeland on September 7, 1861. Due to urgent demand for troops, the regiment moved to Washington, D.C., before reaching full strength. In February 1862, it was consolidated into six companies and reinforced by four companies transferred from the 23rd Pennsylvania Infantry, bringing it to maximum strength.

The regiment was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 4th Corps, and participated in the Peninsular Campaign, including the siege of Yorktown and the battles of Seven Pines, Charles City Cross Roads, Turkey Bend, and Malvern Hill. After encamping at Harrison’s Landing, the regiment moved to Yorktown and then to Alexandria, Virginia, in August 1862. It marched to Chantilly in September but arrived after the engagement.

During the Maryland Campaign, the 61st Pennsylvania saw action at Antietam and was subsequently assigned to the 6th Corps, with which it remained for the rest of its service. The regiment participated in the Fredericksburg Campaign and the “Mud March” in January 1863. In February 1863, it became part of the Light Division of the 6th Corps for special rapid-response duties. The 61st Pennsylvania played a leading role in the assault on Marye’s Heights during the Chancellorsville Campaign, suffering heavy losses, including the death of Colonel Spear.

After the Light Division was disbanded, the regiment joined the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 6th Corps, and participated in the Gettysburg Campaign, arriving on the second day of the battle. The regiment was not heavily engaged at Gettysburg but took part in the pursuit of Confederate forces afterward. It continued to serve in various operations in Virginia, including actions at Rappahannock Station and winter quarters at Brandy Station.

In May 1864, the regiment entered the Overland Campaign, fighting at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna River, and Cold Harbor, suffering significant casualties. It participated in the initial stages of the Petersburg siege and was sent to defend Washington, D.C., during Early’s raid, fighting at Fort Stevens. The regiment then moved to the Shenandoah Valley, engaging at Charlestown, Flowing Spring, Winchester, Fisher’s Hill, and Cedar Creek.

On September 3, 1864, the original three-year enlistments expired, and non-veterans were mustered out. Veterans and recruits continued as a battalion, which saw further action and was reinforced by drafted men and returning wounded. The regiment rejoined the Army of the Potomac at Petersburg in December 1864, participated in the final assaults on Petersburg, and fought at Sailor’s Creek during the Appomattox Campaign. After Lee’s surrender, the regiment performed provost duty in Danville, Virginia, before being mustered out at Washington, D.C., on June 28, 1865, and returning to Pittsburgh for final discharge.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Peninsular Campaign (including Siege of Yorktown, Seven Pines, Charles City Cross Roads, Turkey Bend, Malvern Hill)
• Maryland Campaign (Antietam)
• Fredericksburg Campaign
• Chancellorsville Campaign (Marye’s Heights, Salem Church)
• Gettysburg Campaign
• Rappahannock Station
• Overland Campaign (Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna River, Cold Harbor)
• Siege of Petersburg
• Defense of Washington (Fort Stevens)
• Shenandoah Valley Campaign (Charlestown, Flowing Spring, Winchester, Fisher’s Hill, Cedar Creek)
• Final Petersburg Assaults
• Appomattox Campaign (Sailor’s Creek)

Casualties

The 61st Pennsylvania Infantry suffered heavy losses during its service. At Seven Pines, the regiment lost 11 officers and 261 enlisted men. During the Chancellorsville Campaign, it lost 3 officers and 74 men at Marye’s Heights. In the Overland Campaign, the regiment lost about 30 officers and 400 enlisted men killed, wounded, or missing. At Fort Stevens, 6 were killed and 26 wounded. At the battle of Winchester, the battalion lost 22 out of 128 men engaged. Additional losses occurred at Fisher’s Hill, Cedar Creek, and during the final assaults on Petersburg. Precise total casualty figures for the entire service term are not provided in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Oliver H. Rippey
• Colonel George C. Spear
• Colonel George F. Smith
• Colonel Robert L. Orr
• Lieutenant Colonel George C. Spear
• Lieutenant Colonel George F. Smith
• Lieutenant Colonel George W. Dawson
• Lieutenant Colonel John W. Crosby
• Lieutenant Colonel Robert L. Orr
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Greene
• Major George F. Smith
• Major George W. Dawson
• Major John W. Crosby
• Major Robert L. Orr
• Major Charles S. Greene
• Major Oliver A. Parsons

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 61st Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for researchers and genealogists. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details for those who served in the regiment.

To view the complete roster, visit the 61st 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 Corps, 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, Vol. 1