106th Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 106th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, between August 14 and October 31, 1861, for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment was composed largely of men with prior militia experience, including veterans of the 22nd Pennsylvania Infantry. It served primarily in the Eastern Theater and was attached to various brigades and divisions within the Army of the Potomac. The 106th Pennsylvania is noted for its participation in many major campaigns and battles, including Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and the Overland Campaign.

Organization & Service

The 106th Pennsylvania Infantry was mustered into United States service for a three-year term at Philadelphia. Company K was added on February 28, 1862, having been transferred from the 67th Pennsylvania Infantry. The regiment was initially assigned to Colonel Baker’s brigade in General Stone’s division and ordered to Poolesville, Maryland. Due to transportation difficulties, the regiment did not participate in the battle of Ball’s Bluff.

In the spring of 1862, the 106th took part in the siege of Yorktown and was held in reserve at the battle of Williamsburg. It was actively engaged at Fair Oaks, Savage Station, Glendale, and Malvern Hill during the Peninsula Campaign. After a brief respite, the regiment arrived at the Second Battle of Bull Run after the main fighting had concluded. At Antietam, the regiment suffered significant casualties. The 106th participated in the charge at Fredericksburg, maintaining its position under heavy fire.

During the Chancellorsville Campaign in 1863, the regiment reinforced the VI Corps at Salem Church. At Gettysburg, the 106th was closely engaged and captured numerous prisoners. Following Gettysburg, the regiment moved south with the Army of the Potomac, engaging at Robertson’s Tavern and participating in the Mine Run Campaign. The regiment wintered at Stoneboro, where many men reenlisted.

In 1864, the 106th fought in the Wilderness and at Spotsylvania, notably joining in the charge on May 12. It was also engaged at the North Anna River and Cold Harbor before moving to Petersburg in June for siege operations. On July 27, 1864, the veterans and recruits were consolidated into a battalion of three companies and attached to the 69th Pennsylvania Infantry for field service. The original members not reenlisted were mustered out at Philadelphia on September 10, 1864. The veteran battalion was mustered out on June 30, 1865, at Munson’s Hill, Virginia.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Siege of Yorktown (Spring 1862)
• Battle of Williamsburg (Reserve)
• Battle of Fair Oaks
• Battle of Savage Station
• Battle of Glendale
• Battle of Malvern Hill
• Second Battle of Bull Run (arrived after main fighting)
• Battle of Antietam
• Battle of Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville Campaign (Salem Church)
• Battle of Gettysburg
• Robertson’s Tavern
• Mine Run Campaign
• Battle of the Wilderness
• Battle of Spotsylvania Court House
• North Anna River
• Battle of Cold Harbor
• Siege of Petersburg

Casualties

The 106th Pennsylvania Infantry lost a total of 191 men by death from wounds, accident, and disease during its service. More detailed breakdowns by cause are not consistently available in primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel T. G. Morehead
• Colonel John H. Gallagher
• Lieutenant Colonel William L. Curry
• Lieutenant Colonel John J. Sperry
• Lieutenant Colonel Francis Wessels
• Major John H. Stover
• Major John J. Sperry
• Major J. R. Breitenbach
• Major Ralph B. Clarke

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 106th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details for those who served in the unit.

To view the complete roster, visit the 106th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts.
• Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report, annual volumes covering 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, Vol. 1.