209th Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 209th Pennsylvania Infantry (One Year’s Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, during the first half of September 1864. Composed of men from Cumberland, York, Cambria, Franklin, Columbia, Adams, Lehigh, and Lebanon counties, the regiment served in the Union Army during the final campaigns of the Civil War. Many of its officers and men were veterans of previous service. The 209th Pennsylvania Infantry was mustered in for a one-year term and participated in operations in the Eastern Theater, particularly around Petersburg, Virginia.

Organization & Service

The 209th Pennsylvania Infantry was organized at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, and mustered into United States service in September 1864. Shortly after organization, the regiment moved to Petersburg, Virginia, where it was stationed at Camp Potter for two weeks before being assigned to the advanced line to the left of Fort Harrison. A detachment under Captain Landis was detailed to garrison Redoubt Carpenter on the left bank of the James River.

During its early service, the regiment maintained picket and garrison duties, acquiring discipline and readiness. On November 17, 1864, during a sudden Confederate assault on the picket lines, Colonel Tobias B. Kaufman, Captain Lee, Lieutenant Hendricks, and 19 enlisted men were captured; one man was killed and two wounded. A week later, the regiment was transferred to the Army of the Potomac and assigned to the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 9th Army Corps, encamping near Meade Station.

The 209th Pennsylvania was heavily engaged in the Battle of Fort Stedman on March 25, 1865, where it played a significant role in the recapture of the fort, suffering notable casualties. The regiment also participated in the final assault on Petersburg on April 2, 1865, again incurring losses. Following the fall of Petersburg, the regiment advanced along the South Side Railroad, assisting with train security and track repairs, and later rested at Nottoway Court House. On May 20, 1865, it returned to Alexandria, Virginia. The original members were mustered out on May 31, 1865, and remaining recruits were transferred to the 51st Pennsylvania Infantry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Petersburg operations (September–November 1864)
• Action near Fort Harrison
• Confederate assault on picket lines (November 17, 1864)
• Battle of Fort Stedman (March 25, 1865)
• Final assault on Petersburg (April 2, 1865)
• Advance along South Side Railroad

Casualties

• Battle of Fort Stedman: 5 killed, 50 wounded
• Final assault on Petersburg: 7 killed, 52 wounded
• November 17, 1864 (picket line assault): 1 killed, 2 wounded, 22 captured (including officers)

Comprehensive totals for all causes are not fully detailed in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Tobias B. Kaufman
• Lieutenant Colonel George W. Frederick
• Major John L. Ritchey
• Captain Landis (detachment at Redoubt Carpenter)
• Captain Lee (captured November 17, 1864)
• Lieutenant Hendricks (captured November 17, 1864)
• Captain McCullough (killed April 2, 1865)
• Lieutenant Bigler (wounded April 2, 1865)
• Lieutenant Shugar (wounded April 2, 1865)

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 209th Pennsylvania Infantry (One Year’s Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details for those who served in the regiment during its term of service.

To view the complete roster, visit the 209th Pennsylvania Infantry (One Year’s Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. XLII, 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, Vol. 1