Overview
The 66th Pennsylvania Infantry (Infantry) was a Union regiment organized in Pennsylvania during the early months of the Civil War. Intended for three years’ service, the regiment was never fully organized and existed only nominally from mid-1861 until early 1862. Despite initial efforts and partial mustering, the regiment was ultimately disbanded, and its enlisted men were transferred to other Pennsylvania infantry regiments. The 66th Pennsylvania Infantry did not serve as a complete regiment in any major campaigns or battles.
Organization & Service
In late May 1861, Alfred W. Chantry of Philadelphia received verbal authority from the Secretary of War to recruit a regiment for three years’ service. Organizational delays, lack of government-issued clothing, and the enlistment of men into other commands hindered progress. Through the private generosity of Benjamin L. Berry, officers and men were supplied with grey uniforms. The first company was mustered in on July 1, 1861, and by the end of July, four additional companies had been mustered. John Patrick was chosen lieutenant-colonel on July 26, and James B. Freeman became major.
On August 24, 1861, five companies under Col. Chantry proceeded to Washington, D.C., and were assigned to Fitz John Porter’s provisional division. Additional companies joined in Philadelphia, and on September 20, the regiment was attached to General Banks’ army at Darnestown, Maryland, assigned to Abercrombie’s brigade. The regiment moved to Frederick, Maryland, in November and entered winter quarters. Despite these efforts, the regiment’s maximum strength in October was only 620 officers and men. In January 1862, Col. Chantry was relieved of command for failing to bring the regiment to full strength. The regiment, previously known as the 30th, was officially designated the 66th Pennsylvania Infantry and made part of the state’s quota.
Due to continued organizational difficulties and insufficient numbers, Col. Patrick and several officers resigned in February 1862. On March 1, 1862, Governor Curtin ordered the regiment disbanded, and its enlisted men were transferred to the 73rd and 99th Pennsylvania Infantry. Companies B, D, and C went to the 73rd; A and G to the 99th; E, F, and K were disbanded and their men distributed among the companies of the 73rd. The disbandment was met with resistance from the men, but the order was carried out.
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
The 66th Pennsylvania Infantry did not participate as a regiment in any major campaigns or battles. Its companies were transferred to other regiments before engaging in active service.
Casualties
No consolidated casualty figures are available for the 66th Pennsylvania Infantry, as the regiment was disbanded before seeing combat as a complete unit.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel John Patrick
- Lieutenant Colonel James B. Freeman
- Major Algernon S. Patrick
- Colonel Alfred W. Chantry (initial organizer and commander)
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 66th Pennsylvania Infantry (Infantry) is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster includes the names of officers and enlisted men who were mustered into the regiment prior to its disbandment and transfer to other units.
To view the complete roster, please visit the 66th Pennsylvania Infantry (Infantry) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 5, relevant correspondence and returns.
- Pennsylvania State Adjutant General’s Report, 1861–1862.
- Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion.
- The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Vol. 1.