Overview
The 172nd Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Pennsylvania for Union service during the American Civil War. The regiment was primarily composed of men from Snyder and Northumberland counties. It was mustered into United States service at Harrisburg in November 1862 for a term of nine months. The 172nd Pennsylvania served in the Eastern Theater, performing garrison and support duties for most of its service.
Organization & Service
The 172nd Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) was organized at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in November 1862. The regiment was mustered in for nine months’ service under the command of Colonel Charles Kleckner, with Lieutenant Colonels Thaddeus G. Bogle and James A. Johnson, and Major M. T. Heintzelman. After organization, the regiment moved to Washington, D.C., on December 2, 1862. Shortly thereafter, it was ordered to Newport News, Virginia, and then to Yorktown.
While stationed at Yorktown, the 172nd Pennsylvania Infantry performed garrison duty, manning the fortifications and supporting Union operations in the region. The regiment remained at Yorktown until July 1863. In July, the unit was sent to Hagerstown, Maryland, where it was assigned to the XI Corps. The regiment participated in the pursuit of Confederate forces as far as Williamsport, Maryland, following the Gettysburg Campaign. Subsequently, the regiment moved to Warrenton Junction, Virginia, and then returned to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The 172nd Pennsylvania Infantry was mustered out of service on August 1, 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
- Garrison duty at Yorktown, Virginia (December 1862 – July 1863)
- Pursuit of Confederate forces after the Gettysburg Campaign (July 1863)
- Movement to Hagerstown and Williamsport, Maryland
Casualties
Specific casualty figures for the 172nd Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) are not detailed in primary sources. The regiment primarily performed garrison and support duties and did not participate in major combat actions.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel Charles Kleckner
- Lieutenant Colonel Thaddeus G. Bogle
- Lieutenant Colonel James A. Johnson
- Major M. T. Heintzelman
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 172nd Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.
To view the complete roster, visit the 172nd Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, relevant 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)