111th Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 111th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Erie, Pennsylvania, on January 24, 1862, for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment was primarily recruited from Erie, Warren, and Crawford counties. Serving in both the Eastern and Western Theaters, the 111th Pennsylvania participated in numerous major campaigns and earned distinction for its combat record. It was recognized by W. F. Fox as one of the “three hundred fighting regiments” of the war.

This regiment served for three years and should not be confused with any other Pennsylvania infantry units of different service terms.

Organization & Service

The 111th Pennsylvania Infantry was mustered into service at Erie, Pennsylvania, on January 24, 1862. After organization, the regiment moved to Harrisburg and then to Baltimore, where it remained until May 1862. It was then sent to Harper’s Ferry to join General Banks’ command, operating in that vicinity until July. The regiment proceeded to Cedar Mountain and fought as part of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 2nd Corps. At the Battle of Antietam, the regiment suffered heavy casualties, losing over one-third of its number engaged. The regiment received commendation from General Greene, division commander, and was presented with a stand of colors by Colonel Stainrook, brigade commander.

Following Antietam, the 111th Pennsylvania spent two months in camp on Loudoun Heights near Harper’s Ferry. It was transferred to the 12th Corps and arrived at Fredericksburg too late to participate in the battle. Winter quarters were established at Fairfax Station, and the regiment participated in the “Mud March” in January 1863. It was then sent to Acquia Creek and assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 12th Corps. On March 3, 1863, the regiment was selected by General Hooker as one of ten regiments to receive special commendation, which included increased furloughs and absences.

The regiment took part in the Chancellorsville Campaign and was active at Gettysburg in July 1863. In September, the 111th Pennsylvania was ordered west with the 12th Corps, arriving in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in October. It participated in the battles of Wauhatchie, Lookout Mountain, and Missionary Ridge in the fall of 1863. In December, most of the regiment reenlisted as veterans, and in the spring of 1864, it returned to Bridgeport, Alabama, reinforced by new recruits.

Assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 20th Corps, the regiment participated in the Atlanta Campaign, engaging at Resaca, New Hope Church, Dallas, Peachtree Creek, and Atlanta. On September 2, 1864, the regiment was among the first to enter Atlanta during a reconnaissance. It remained in Atlanta until mid-November, then rejoined the division at Milledgeville. In March 1865, the 109th Pennsylvania Infantry was consolidated with the 111th. The regiment marched to Washington, D.C., participated in the Grand Review, and was mustered out on July 19, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Operations near Harper’s Ferry (Spring–Summer 1862)
• Battle of Cedar Mountain (August 1862)
• Battle of Antietam (September 1862)
• Camp on Loudoun Heights (Fall 1862)
• Fredericksburg Campaign (arrived after battle, December 1862)
• “Mud March” (January 1863)
• Chancellorsville Campaign (May 1863)
• Battle of Gettysburg (July 1863)
• Transfer to Western Theater (September–October 1863)
• Battle of Wauhatchie (October 1863)
• Battle of Lookout Mountain (November 1863)
• Battle of Missionary Ridge (November 1863)
• Atlanta Campaign: Resaca, New Hope Church, Dallas, Peachtree Creek, Atlanta (May–September 1864)
• Occupation of Atlanta (September–November 1864)
• March to the Sea and Carolinas Campaign (1865)
• Grand Review, Washington, D.C. (May 1865)

Casualties

The total strength of the regiment was recorded as 1,847. Of this number, 100 drafted men deserted en route to Tennessee, 310 recruits were from the 109th Pennsylvania Infantry, and 42 members failed to report, making the actual strength 1,395. During its service, 549 members died from wounds or disease. Detailed breakdowns of killed, wounded, and disease deaths are not fully available in all sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Matthew Schlaudecker
• Colonel George A. Cobham, Jr.
• Colonel Thomas M. Walker
• Lieutenant Colonel George A. Cobham, Jr.
• Lieutenant Colonel Thomas M. Walker
• Lieutenant Colonel W. J. Alexander
• Lieutenant Colonel Frank J. Osgood
• Major Thomas M. Walker
• Major John A. Boyle
• Major William A. Thomas
• Major W. J. Alexander
• Major Frank J. Osgood
• Major Frederick L. Gimber

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 111th 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 valuable for genealogical research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 111th 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
• 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