Overview
The 124th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Pennsylvania during the American Civil War. Raised primarily from Chester and Delaware counties, the regiment entered Union service for a nine-month term in response to the call of July 1862. The unit served in the Eastern Theater, participating in several major campaigns and battles as part of the Army of the Potomac.
The regiment was mustered in at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, and quickly saw active service, including notable engagements at Antietam and Chancellorsville. Its service was marked by significant action and casualties, particularly during its brief but eventful term.
Organization & Service
The 124th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) was organized at Camp Curtin and mustered into United States service on August 12, 1862, under Colonel Joseph W. Hawley. The regiment was composed largely of volunteers from Chester and Delaware counties.
On September 7, 1862, the regiment moved to Rockville, Maryland, and was attached to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 12th Army Corps. Shortly thereafter, the brigade marched toward South Mountain and Antietam. At the Battle of Antietam (September 17, 1862), the 124th was ordered to reinforce General Hooker’s right and was heavily engaged, suffering significant casualties.
Following Antietam, the regiment camped at Pleasant Valley and was transferred to the brigade under General Kane. On October 30, it occupied Loudoun Heights. The regiment was then ordered to support Union forces at Fredericksburg in December 1862 but arrived after the main battle had concluded. The winter was spent encamped at Fairfax Station and later near Stafford Court House, including participation in the “Mud March” in January 1863.
In late April 1863, the regiment joined Geary’s Division, 12th Corps, for the Chancellorsville Campaign. The 124th Pennsylvania was posted on the right of the Union line and was closely engaged on May 2, 1863. After the battle, the regiment returned to camp and remained there until its term expired. The regiment was mustered out at Harrisburg on May 16–17, 1863.
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
- Maryland Campaign (September 1862)
- Battle of Antietam (September 17, 1862)
- Fredericksburg Campaign (December 1862; arrived after main battle)
- “Mud March” (January 1863)
- Chancellorsville Campaign (April–May 1863)
- Battle of Chancellorsville (May 2–3, 1863)
Casualties
At Antietam, the regiment lost approximately 50 men killed and wounded. Complete casualty figures for the entire term of service are not fully detailed in available primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel Joseph W. Hawley
- Lieutenant Colonel Simon Litzenberg
- Lieutenant Colonel William B. Waddell
- Major I. L. Haldeman
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 124th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details for those who served in the regiment.
To view the complete roster, visit the 124th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 19, 21, 25 (Maryland and Virginia Campaigns, 1862–1863)
- Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report, 1862–1863
- Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- Federal Publishing Company, The Union Army, Vol. 1 (1908)