137th Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 137th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Pennsylvania for Union service during the American Civil War. The regiment was mustered in at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, during the latter half of August 1862, with men recruited from Wayne, Crawford, Clinton, Butler, Bradford, and Schuylkill counties. Serving in the Eastern Theater, the regiment participated in several key campaigns and was attached to major Union commands during its service term.

This unit served for nine months and should not be confused with any other Pennsylvania regiments of similar designation.

Organization & Service

The 137th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) was organized at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, and mustered into United States service in August 1862. The regiment was composed primarily of volunteers with little prior military experience. Shortly after organization, the regiment moved to Washington, D.C., and was assigned to General Hancock’s brigade, Smith’s division, 6th Corps.

The regiment first experienced combat conditions at Crampton’s Gap during the Maryland Campaign, though it was not actively engaged. At Antietam, the regiment was held in reserve, except for Company I, which supported the brigade battery. In October 1862, during Stuart and Hampton’s cavalry raid into Pennsylvania, the brigade under General Pratt pursued the raiders but did not engage them. The regiment then camped near Hagerstown until late October, after which it was ordered to the defenses of Washington for drill and discipline.

During the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862, the 137th was stationed opposite Acquia Creek, guarding the landing and the railroad to Fredericksburg. In January 1863, the regiment participated in the “Mud March” as part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Corps, and subsequently encamped at Belle Plain. During the Chancellorsville Campaign in May 1863, the regiment was posted on the extreme right of the Union line but was not actively engaged in the battle. The regiment returned to Harrisburg at the expiration of its nine-month term and was mustered out on June 1 and 2, 1863.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Maryland Campaign (September 1862)
• Crampton’s Gap (September 14, 1862; reserve)
• Antietam (September 17, 1862; reserve, Company I supported battery)
• Pursuit of Stuart and Hampton’s Raid (October 1862)
• Defenses of Washington (late 1862)
• Battle of Fredericksburg (December 1862; guarding Acquia Creek and railroad)
• “Mud March” (January 1863)
• Chancellorsville Campaign (May 1863; posted on extreme right, not actively engaged)

Casualties

According to available records, the 137th Pennsylvania Infantry lost a total of 38 men during its service:

• Killed or mortally wounded: 1 officer, 7 enlisted men
• Died of disease: 30 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 38

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Henry M. Bossert
• Colonel Joseph B. Kiddoo
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph B. Kiddoo
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles W. Wingard
• Major Charles W. Wingard
• Major De Los Walker

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 137th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster includes details on company assignments, ranks, and service records.

To view the full regimental roster, visit the 137th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XIX, XXI, XXV
• Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report, 1862–1863
• 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