74th Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 74th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Pennsylvania for Union service during the American Civil War. Composed primarily of German immigrants from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and several surrounding counties, the regiment was mustered into United States service at Camp Wilkins, near Pittsburgh, on September 14, 1861. The unit served in the Eastern and later the Department of the South and West Virginia theaters, participating in several major campaigns and engagements throughout its service.

This regiment is distinct from any other Pennsylvania infantry units with similar designations.

Organization & Service

The 74th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was recruited during the summer of 1861 by a committee of Pittsburgh citizens authorized by the War Department. The regiment was largely composed of trained soldiers and was mustered into service on September 14, 1861, as the 35th Pennsylvania Infantry, but soon became known as the 74th. Colonel Alexander Schimmelfennig, a former Prussian staff officer, was appointed as its first commander.

After mustering, the regiment moved to Philadelphia, where it was joined by additional recruits, and then proceeded to Washington, D.C. It was stationed at Roach’s Mills, Virginia, and then at Hunter’s Chapel for winter quarters, where it performed drill, fatigue duty, and worked on fortifications. In spring 1862, the regiment joined General Fremont’s forces in the Mountain Department and participated in the pursuit of Stonewall Jackson, seeing its first combat at the Battle of Cross Keys.

Following Cross Keys, the regiment moved through Mount Jackson and Middletown, was posted at Sperryville, and marched to Cedar Mountain, arriving after the battle. During the retreat with Pope’s Army, the regiment narrowly escaped capture at Freeman’s Ford and suffered losses. Colonel Schimmelfennig assumed brigade command after General Bohlen’s death, and the regiment fought at Groveton and the Second Battle of Bull Run. During the Antietam Campaign, the regiment remained in Washington and later wintered near Stafford Court House, Virginia, where it received reinforcements.

Major Von Hartung succeeded to regimental command after Colonel Schimmelfennig’s promotion. The 74th arrived too late for the Battle of Fredericksburg but was heavily engaged at Chancellorsville as part of Schimmelfennig’s Brigade, Schurz’s Division, XI Corps. The regiment played a key role in holding the line during the second day of fighting.

At Gettysburg, the 74th Pennsylvania arrived on July 1, 1863, and engaged on the left of the XI Corps. The regiment suffered significant casualties and was forced back to Cemetery Hill, where it held its position for the remainder of the battle. After Gettysburg, the regiment was sent to Folly Island, South Carolina, in August 1863, participating in operations against Charleston and engagements on James Island in July 1864.

In August 1864, the regiment returned to Washington, D.C., and garrisoned Forts Marcy and Ethan Allen. In September, members whose enlistments expired were mustered out, and the regiment moved to West Virginia, where it guarded the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad with headquarters at various locations. The 74th Pennsylvania Infantry was finally mustered out at Clarksburg, West Virginia, on August 29, 1865, and the men were discharged at Pittsburgh.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Battle of Cross Keys (June 1862)
• Retreat from Cedar Mountain (August 1862)
• Freeman’s Ford (August 1862)
• Battle of Groveton (August 1862)
• Second Battle of Bull Run (August 1862)
• Chancellorsville Campaign (May 1863)
• Battle of Gettysburg (July 1863)
• Operations on Folly Island and James Island, South Carolina (1863–1864)
• Guarding Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, West Virginia (1864–1865)

Casualties

At Cross Keys, the regiment lost 6 killed and 14 wounded. At Freeman’s Ford, losses included 12 killed, 2 officers and 35 men wounded, 3 drowned, and 16 missing. At Chancellorsville, total casualties were 52 killed, wounded, and missing. At Gettysburg, out of 14 officers and 120 men engaged, 1 officer and 6 men were killed, 4 officers and 40 men wounded, and 52 men missing; the total loss in the battle was 136. Complete aggregate casualty figures for the entire service term are not available in primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Alexander Schimmelfennig
• Colonel John Hamm
• Colonel A. Von Hartung
• Colonel Gottlieb Hoburg
• Lieutenant Colonel Edward Freyhold
• Lieutenant Colonel John Hamm
• Lieutenant Colonel A. Von Hartung
• Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Von Mitzel
• Lieutenant Colonel Carl Veitenheimer
• Major John Hamm
• Major Franz Blessing
• Major A. Von Hartung
• Major Alexander Von Mitzel
• Major Gustav Schleiter
• Major Frederick Klenker
• Major E. P. Rohbach

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 74th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.

To view the complete list of soldiers who served in this regiment, visit the 74th 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 Virginia, Army of the Potomac, Department of the South, Department of West Virginia)
• 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