5th US Colored Troops in the American Civil War

Overview

The 5th US Colored Troops (USCT) was an infantry regiment in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized primarily in Ohio, it was the first colored regiment recruited in that state. The regiment was formed amidst significant administrative challenges, as there was initially no Congressional law or War Department order specifically authorizing such units. Despite these obstacles, the 5th USCT was successfully organized and served with distinction in the Eastern Theater, particularly in Virginia and North Carolina.

The regiment was mustered into United States service in stages between July 1863 and January 1864. It was composed of African American enlisted men commanded by white officers, as was standard for USCT units. The 5th USCT participated in several notable engagements and was recognized for its discipline and valor in combat.

Organization & Service

The nucleus of the 5th US Colored Troops began with a small group of African American men assembled at Camp Delaware, Ohio. Initial organization was hampered by the absence of federal authorization, and the regiment began forming under the “contraband law,” which provided limited pay and clothing allowances for Black laborers in military service. Recruitment was slow, but persistent efforts by both officers and enlisted men led to the gradual formation of the regiment.

Companies B, C, E, G, and H were mustered into service on July 23, 1863; Company D on August 20; Company F on September 9; Company I on October 17; and Company K on January 15, 1864. The War Department eventually issued orders for the enlistment of colored troops, and Congress moved to equalize their pay and status with other Union soldiers. The regiment was officially designated the 5th US Colored Troops, fully equipped, and ordered to Virginia with nine companies and nearly a complete officer complement in late 1863.

The 5th USCT served in various brigades and divisions within the Army of the James and participated in operations in Virginia and North Carolina. The regiment was engaged in several significant battles and campaigns, earning a reputation for effective combat performance. The unit was mustered out of service on September 20, 1865, at Carolina City, North Carolina.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Operations in Virginia, including actions around Petersburg and Richmond
• Campaigns in North Carolina
• Various skirmishes and battles as part of the Army of the James

Casualties

According to contemporary sources, a total of 266 members of the 5th US Colored Troops died during their service. This figure includes those killed or mortally wounded in battle, as well as those who died of disease or wounds received in action. More detailed breakdowns by cause are not consistently available in primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel James W. Conine
• Colonel Giles W. Shurtleff
• Lieutenant Colonel John B. Cook
• Major Ira C. Terry

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 5th US Colored Troops, 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 5th US Colored Troops Regimental Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes
• Ohio 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, Volume 2