114th Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 114th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in August 1862 for Union service during the American Civil War. The regiment was known for its distinctive Zouave uniforms and included Company A, originally mustered as the independent Zouaves d’Afrique in August 1861. The 114th Pennsylvania served primarily in the Army of the Potomac, participating in major campaigns and battles in the Eastern Theater. The regiment was mustered out on May 29, 1865, in Washington, D.C.

This unit is distinct from any other Pennsylvania regiments with similar designations or service terms.

Organization & Service

The 114th Pennsylvania Infantry was recruited in Philadelphia in August 1862 and departed for Washington, D.C., at the end of that month, where its organization was completed. It was mustered into United States service for a three years’ term. Company A, known as the Zouaves d’Afrique, had previously served independently since August 17, 1861, and had seen action with General Banks’ command at locations including Darnestown, Frederick, Middletown, Cedar Mountain, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, and Antietam.

Upon full organization, the regiment was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 3rd Corps, Army of the Potomac. In October 1862, it joined the corps at Poolesville, Maryland, and subsequently moved to Falmouth, Virginia. The regiment participated in the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862 and endured the “Mud March” in January 1863, after which it encamped near Potomac Creek. At Chancellorsville in May 1863, the regiment suffered heavy losses. During the Gettysburg Campaign, the 114th held a prominent and exposed position near the Sherfy house on July 2, 1863, before being compelled to retire later that day.

Following Gettysburg, the regiment moved into Virginia and was engaged at Wapping Heights, Kelly’s Ford, Auburn, and Rappahannock Station in the fall and early winter of 1863. Winter quarters were established at Brandy Station. For its discipline and performance, the 114th was selected by General Meade to serve as headquarters guard, and later was one of seven regiments detailed for similar duty under Colonel Collis at General Grant’s headquarters.

During the Overland Campaign in 1864, the regiment was frequently assigned to challenging details and notably participated in the defense of headquarters at Guiney’s Station, earning commendations from Generals Meade and Grant. The 114th continued on headquarters duty at Petersburg until March 15, 1865, after which it was sent to City Point for picket duty. In the final assault on Petersburg on April 2, 1865, the regiment captured enemy works opposite Fort Hell, sustaining significant casualties. The regiment returned to Washington after the Confederate surrender and was mustered out on May 29, 1865.

Research This Regiment Further

If you’d like to explore this unit’s history in more depth, regimental histories and Civil War reference works offer valuable detail.

Engagements & Campaigns

  • Darnestown, Maryland (Company A, 1861)
  • Frederick and Middletown, Maryland (Company A, 1861–1862)
  • Cedar Mountain
  • Second Bull Run
  • Chantilly
  • Antietam
  • Fredericksburg
  • “Mud March”
  • Chancellorsville
  • Gettysburg
  • Wapping Heights
  • Kelly’s Ford
  • Auburn
  • Rappahannock Station
  • Brandy Station (winter quarters)
  • Wilderness Campaign (including Guiney’s Station)
  • Petersburg (headquarters duty and final assault)
  • City Point (picket duty)

Casualties

According to available records, the 114th Pennsylvania Infantry sustained significant losses in several major engagements, including Chancellorsville and the final assault on Petersburg. Exact figures for killed, wounded, and disease-related deaths are not fully detailed in all primary sources.

Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

  • Colonel Charles H. T. Collis
  • Lieutenant Colonel Frederick F. Cavada
  • Lieutenant Colonel Edward R. Bowen
  • Major Joseph S. Chandler
  • Major Edward R. Bowen
  • Major Henry M. Eddy

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 114th 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.

To view the complete roster, visit the 114th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

  • Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XIX, XXV, XXVII, XXXVI, XL, XLVI
  • 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
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