96th Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 96th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and mustered into United States service between September 23 and 30, 1861. Composed primarily of men from Schuylkill County, its core originated from the National Light Infantry of Pottsville, one of the state’s earliest volunteer companies. The regiment served in the Union Army, primarily within the Army of the Potomac, and participated in major campaigns in the Eastern Theater.

The 96th Pennsylvania Infantry was attached to Slocum’s Brigade, which became the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 6th Corps. The regiment was active in numerous significant battles and campaigns, including the Peninsula Campaign, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and the Overland Campaign. Its service concluded with consolidation into the 95th Pennsylvania Infantry in October 1864, and final muster out at Washington, D.C., on July 17, 1865.

Organization & Service

The 96th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and mustered into federal service from September 23 to 30, 1861. The regiment’s members were largely recruited from Schuylkill County, with the National Light Infantry of Pottsville forming its nucleus. On November 8, 1861, the regiment departed for Washington, D.C., and was assigned to Slocum’s Brigade, later designated the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 6th Corps.

During the winter of 1861–62, the regiment encamped at Four-mile Run along the Loudoun & Hampshire Railroad. In March 1862, it participated in the Manassas campaign, followed by the Peninsula Campaign, including action at West Point in May. The 96th was present during the Seven Days’ Battles and subsequently ordered to Alexandria, then to the Second Bull Run campaign. The regiment next saw heavy fighting at Crampton’s Gap during the Maryland Campaign, suffering significant casualties, and was engaged at Antietam. In December 1862, it fought at Fredericksburg and endured the hardships of the “Mud March” in January 1863.

The regiment spent the winter near White Oak Church, with most companies posted at Windmill Point on fatigue duty until March 1, 1863, when it rejoined its brigade for the Chancellorsville Campaign, including action at Salem Church. The 96th Pennsylvania fought at Gettysburg in July 1863 and participated in the subsequent pursuit of Confederate forces. It was engaged at Rappahannock Station in November and took part in the Mine Run Campaign, wintering near Rappahannock Station.

In May 1864, the regiment was heavily engaged throughout the Overland Campaign, from the Wilderness to Cold Harbor. It then moved with the Army of the Potomac to Petersburg and, in July, was sent to assist in the defense of Washington, D.C., before joining the Army of the Shenandoah. On September 22, 1864, non-reenlisted original members were ordered home, and the remaining battalion was consolidated with the 95th Pennsylvania Infantry in October. The consolidated regiment was mustered out at Washington, D.C., on July 17, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Manassas Campaign (March 1862)
• Peninsula Campaign (Spring–Summer 1862)
• West Point (May 1862)
• Seven Days’ Battles (June–July 1862)
• Second Bull Run (August 1862)
• Crampton’s Gap (September 1862)
• Antietam (September 1862)
• Fredericksburg (December 1862)
• “Mud March” (January 1863)
• Chancellorsville Campaign, including Salem Church (May 1863)
• Gettysburg (July 1863)
• Pursuit of Lee (July 1863)
• Rappahannock Station (November 1863)
• Mine Run Campaign (November–December 1863)
• Overland Campaign: Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor (May–June 1864)
• Petersburg (June–July 1864)
• Defense of Washington, D.C. (July 1864)
• Army of the Shenandoah operations (Summer–Fall 1864)

Casualties

According to Fox’s Regimental Losses and state records, the 96th Pennsylvania Infantry suffered significant casualties during its service. Exact figures may vary by source, but available records indicate:

• Killed or mortally wounded: approximately 7 officers and 120 enlisted men
• Died of disease: approximately 1 officer and 61 enlisted men
• Total deaths: approximately 189

Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Henry L. Cake
• Colonel William H. Lessig
• Lieutenant Colonel Jacob G. Frick
• Lieutenant Colonel Peter A. Filbert
• Lieutenant Colonel William H. Lessig
• Major Lewis J. Martin
• Major William H. Lessig
• Major Levi Huber

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 96th 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 as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the full roster, visit the 96th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 5, 9, 11, 19, 21, 25, 27, 29, 36, 39, 40, 43
• Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report, 1861–1865
• 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