171st Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 171st 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 Harrisburg in November 1862, drawing its ranks primarily from the counties of Bradford, Juniata, Lycoming, Somerset, and Tioga. Serving in the Eastern Theater, the regiment was part of the Union Army’s efforts in North Carolina and Virginia during its term of service.

This unit served for a nine months’ term and should not be confused with any other Pennsylvania regiments of different service durations.

Organization & Service

The 171st Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) was organized at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, and mustered into United States service in November 1862. Under the command of Colonel Everard Bierer, Lieutenant Colonel Theophilus Humphrey, and Major Robert C. Cox, the regiment departed Harrisburg for Washington, D.C., on November 27, 1862. Upon arrival, it was promptly ordered to Suffolk, Virginia, where it became part of the Keystone Brigade.

From Suffolk, the regiment proceeded to New Berne, North Carolina, where it spent the winter of 1862–1863. During this period, the regiment participated in several expeditions into the surrounding countryside, engaging in actions to drive Confederate forces from the vicinity. In March 1863, the regiment was involved in operations that cleared enemy presence near New Berne. Subsequently, the 171st Pennsylvania aided in the relief of Little Washington (Washington, N.C.) and was stationed there until June 1863.

In June, the regiment returned to Fortress Monroe, Virginia, and took part in demonstrations toward Richmond. Early in July 1863, the regiment moved to Harper’s Ferry. The 171st Pennsylvania Infantry was mustered out of service at Harrisburg on August 8, 1863, upon completion of its nine months’ term.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Duty at Suffolk, Virginia (late 1862)
• Operations and expeditions near New Berne, North Carolina (winter 1862–1863)
• Action near New Berne (March 1863)
• Relief of Little Washington (Washington, N.C.) (spring 1863)
• Demonstration toward Richmond (June 1863)
• Movement to Harper’s Ferry (July 1863)

Casualties

Specific casualty figures for the 171st Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) are not detailed in available primary sources. The regiment’s service was primarily in garrison and expeditionary duties, with limited direct combat.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Everard Bierer
• Lieutenant Colonel Theophilus Humphrey
• Major Robert C. Cox

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 171st Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and other service details for members of the regiment.

To view the complete roster, visit the 171st Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes
• Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report
• Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Federal Publishing Company, The Union Army, Vol. 1 (1908)