5th Ohio Infantry Regiment facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 5th Ohio Infantry Regiment |
|
|---|---|
Ohio state flag
|
|
| Active | 1861–1865 |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | Union |
| Branch | Volunteer Army, American Civil War |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | 1,080 soldiers (July 1861) |
| Engagements | American Civil War |
| Insignia | |
| 2nd Division, XX Corps, Army of the Cumberland |  |
The 5th Ohio Infantry Regiment was a group of soldiers from southwestern Ohio. They were part of the Union Army during the American Civil War. These brave soldiers fought in many important battles. They served in both the eastern and western parts of the war.
Contents
Joining the Fight: The 5th Ohio Infantry
The 5th Ohio Infantry Regiment started in Camp Harrison. This camp was near Cincinnati, Ohio. They formed on April 20, 1861. At first, they signed up for three months of service. The soldiers officially joined the army on May 8. They then moved to Camp Dennison on May 23. They stayed there until June 20.
Reorganizing for Longer Service
After their first three months were over, the regiment changed. On June 20, 1861, they reorganized for three years. Colonel Samuel H. Dunning led the new regiment. Any soldiers who did not want to re-enlist left the army on July 24.
Early Battles and Challenges
For most of 1861, the regiment served in western Virginia. In 1862, they moved to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Here, they faced tough fighting. They lost many soldiers in the First Battle of Kernstown in March.
At the Battle of Port Republic on June 9, they suffered greatly. The 5th Ohio lost 244 soldiers. These were either killed, wounded, or captured. After these heavy losses, the regiment was much smaller. They then helped defend Washington, D.C.. They also took part in the Northern Virginia Campaign.
Key Battles and Campaigns
The 5th Ohio Infantry was deeply involved in the Battle of Antietam. This major battle happened on September 17, 1862. They were part of Major General Joseph Mansfield's XII Corps. They fought alongside other Ohio and Pennsylvania regiments.
Fighting at Antietam
The 5th Ohio helped support another group of soldiers. They caused heavy damage to the Confederate forces. They helped push the enemy out of a place called the Cornfield. The Ohio soldiers kept pushing the Confederates back. They held their ground near the Dunker Church. But they had to retreat later that day. This was because they had little support and low ammunition.
Moving to New Battlefields
In 1863, the 5th Ohio Infantry had more soldiers. They fought in the Army of the Potomac. They were at the Battle of Chancellorsville. Then they served in the Battle of Gettysburg. Later that summer, they moved to the Western Theater. They became part of the XX Corps. This group was led by Joseph Hooker. The regiment then fought in the Battle of Lookout Mountain. This battle was near Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Sherman's Campaigns
The next year, the regiment served under William T. Sherman. They were part of the Atlanta Campaign. This was a major push into Georgia. They also joined Sherman's March to the Sea. This march captured Savannah, Georgia. In the spring of 1865, the regiment fought in the Carolinas Campaign.
During the Civil War, the 5th Ohio Infantry fought in 28 battles. They lost over 500 soldiers. These were either killed, wounded, or captured.
