93rd Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 93rd Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and mustered into United States service between September 21 and October 28, 1861. Serving with the Union Army in the Eastern Theater, the regiment participated in many of the major campaigns and battles of the Army of the Potomac and later the Army of the Shenandoah. The unit was noted for its active service, high reenlistment rate, and distinguished conduct in several engagements.

The 93rd Pennsylvania Infantry was attached to various brigades and divisions, most notably within the VI Corps. It remained in continuous service until mustering out in June 1865, having seen action from the Peninsula Campaign through the closing operations of the war in Virginia.

Organization & Service

The 93rd Pennsylvania Infantry was organized at Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and mustered into federal service for three years between September 21 and October 28, 1861. The regiment departed Lebanon for Washington, D.C., on November 21, 1861, and moved to Tennallytown in January 1862. It was initially assigned to Peck’s Brigade in the division later commanded by General Darius N. Couch.

The regiment participated in the Peninsula Campaign, including the siege of Yorktown, and was actively engaged at Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, and Malvern Hill. After the campaign, the unit was stationed at Harrison’s Landing until the Battle of Chantilly. The 93rd was held in reserve at Antietam and Fredericksburg. During the winter of 1862–63, it saw no significant action.

With the VI Corps, the regiment took part in the Chancellorsville Campaign and was present at Gettysburg, arriving on July 2, 1863, and making a notable charge. Following Gettysburg, the regiment was assigned to guard artillery and performed picket duty at Funkstown. It participated in the Mine Run Campaign and wintered at Brandy Station, later being ordered to Harper’s Ferry in December 1863.

In February 1864, approximately three-fourths of the regiment reenlisted and received veteran furloughs. In March, the regiment was reinforced by 800 men at Halltown and returned to Brandy Station. The 93rd was assigned to the 2nd Division, VI Corps, and was engaged early at the Wilderness, suffering heavy losses. The regiment continued in almost daily action through the Overland Campaign, including Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor, and then moved to Petersburg, where it was posted near enemy works.

On July 9, 1864, the regiment was ordered to the defense of Washington, D.C., during General Early’s raid, and subsequently participated in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign, fighting at Opequon, Fisher’s Hill, and Cedar Creek. Non-reenlisted members were mustered out on October 28, 1864. In November, the regiment performed guard duty in Philadelphia during the presidential election, then returned to Winchester and Petersburg, entering winter quarters in December.

On March 25, 1865, the 93rd charged enemy works at Petersburg, and again on April 2, when Sergeant Charles Marquette captured a Confederate flag, earning the Medal of Honor. The regiment fought at Sailor’s Creek and joined Sherman’s forces at Danville, Virginia, before returning to Richmond and then Washington, D.C., where it was mustered out on June 27, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Peninsula Campaign (including Siege of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill)
• Harrison’s Landing
• Chantilly
• Antietam (in reserve)
• Fredericksburg (in reserve)
• Chancellorsville Campaign
• Gettysburg
• Funkstown (picket duty)
• Mine Run Campaign
• Wilderness
• Spotsylvania
• Cold Harbor
• Petersburg
• Defense of Washington, D.C.
• Opequon (Winchester)
• Fisher’s Hill
• Cedar Creek
• Sailor’s Creek
• Danville

Casualties

According to Fox’s Regimental Losses and official reports, the 93rd Pennsylvania Infantry suffered significant casualties during its service. Exact figures may vary by source, but the regiment lost many men killed or mortally wounded in action, as well as by disease. For precise numbers, consult the State Adjutant General’s reports and Fox’s compilation.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel James M. McCarter
• Colonel John M. Mark
• Colonel C. W. Eckman
• Lieutenant Colonel John W. Johnston
• Lieutenant Colonel John E. Arthur
• Lieutenant Colonel John S. Long
• Lieutenant Colonel John J. Nevin
• Lieutenant Colonel David C. Keller
• Major John C. Osterloh
• Major John S. Schultze
• Major John Fritz
• Sergeant Charles Marquette (Medal of Honor, April 2, 1865)

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 93rd Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details for members of the regiment throughout its term of service.

To view the complete roster, visit the 93rd Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts
• Pennsylvania State Adjutant General’s Reports
• Dyer, Frederick H. 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
• Contemporary wartime reports and regimental documents