75th Ohio Infantry Regiment facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 75th Ohio Infantry Regiment |
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| Active | 1861–1865 |
| Country | United States of America |
| Allegiance | Union |
| Branch | Union Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | 984 at outset of service |
| Engagements | American Civil War |
The 75th Ohio Infantry Regiment was a group of soldiers from southwestern Ohio. They fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. This group was made up of foot soldiers. They served in the eastern part of the United States. They were important in battles like Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Later, they helped with the siege of Charleston, South Carolina.
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The 75th Ohio: A Brave Regiment in the Civil War
Starting Their Service: 1861-1862
The 75th Ohio Infantry Regiment was formed in Cincinnati, Ohio. This happened between November 1861 and January 1862. The soldiers signed up to serve for three years.
The first leader was Colonel Nathaniel C. McLean. Other leaders included Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. Constable and Major Robert Reily. When they started, there were 984 officers and soldiers. One of these soldiers, Henry Lee Morey, later became a U.S. Congressman.
The regiment was first sent to the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. They helped defend against Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign.
Early Battles and Losses
On May 8, 1862, the 75th Ohio fought in the Battle of McDowell. They lost 87 soldiers in this battle. They also fought at Cross Keys. After these fights, they moved east to help other Union troops.
The regiment then took part in the Northern Virginia Campaign. They fought in the Second Battle of Bull Run, where they lost 113 soldiers. A month later, they were in action at the Battle of South Mountain in Central Maryland.
Facing Danger at Chancellorsville in 1863
In May 1863, the 75th Ohio was part of the XI Corps. This was a large group of soldiers in the Army of the Potomac. At the Battle of Chancellorsville, their commander, Major General Oliver O. Howard, did not have his soldiers dig defenses. This was even though he was told to do so.
A Surprise Attack
On May 2, Confederate General Robert E. Lee made a risky plan. He knew the XI Corps was not ready for an attack. So, he sent General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson and 28,000 soldiers on a long march. Their goal was to surprise the Union soldiers from the side.
At 4:30 in the afternoon, Colonel Robert Reily, the 75th's leader, heard about the Confederate movement. Unlike other leaders, he believed the reports. He got his soldiers ready for a fight. He told them to lie down and wait.
Standing Their Ground
Around 5 p.m., Jackson's soldiers suddenly attacked. Most of the XI Corps was caught off guard. Many soldiers ran away without firing a shot. But the 75th Ohio stood firm. They fired back at the Confederates.
They fought for ten minutes. The Confederates were too many, and the 75th Ohio had to retreat. In those ten minutes, Colonel Reily was killed. About 150 other soldiers from the 75th Ohio were killed or wounded.
The Battle of Gettysburg in 1863
At the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, the 75th Ohio was led by Colonel Andrew L. Harris. He later became the 44th Governor of Ohio.
Fighting on Barlow's Knoll
On July 1, the first day of the battle, the 75th Ohio arrived. They took a defensive spot on Blocher's Knoll. This place is now called Barlow's Knoll. It was north of the town.
Their position was too far forward. This made them easy to attack from many sides. Confederate Lieutenant General Richard S. Ewell sent two groups of soldiers to attack the knoll.
Barlow's division was overwhelmed and suffered many losses. Colonel Harris led his soldiers in a successful retreat. They moved through the streets to Cemetery Hill. There, they dug in on the hillside. Harris then took command of the 2nd Brigade.
Defending Cemetery Hill
On July 2, around 7:30 at night, the 75th Ohio was on a brickyard lane. This was at the base of East Cemetery Hill. They fought off attacks from the "Louisiana Tigers" brigade.
Overall, the 75th Ohio lost 186 officers and soldiers at Gettysburg. This included 16 killed, 74 wounded, and 96 missing.
Later Actions in the War
In August, the 75th Ohio was moved to Charleston Harbor in South Carolina. They stayed in the trenches there until September.
Then, the 75th moved to Folly Island. After that, they went to Florida. In Florida, the soldiers were given horses and became mounted infantry. This means they rode horses but fought on foot.
The regiment served in Florida until the end of the war. They took part in the Battle of Gainesville on August 17. Six companies of soldiers were sent home in late 1864. The soldiers who had served longer stayed until August 1865.
Leaders of the 75th Ohio
- Colonel Nathaniel C. McLean - He became a Brigadier General in December 1862.
- Colonel Robert Riley - He was killed in the Battle of Chancellorsville on May 2, 1863.
- Colonel Andrew L. Harris - He left the army with the regiment in January 1865. He was given the honorary rank of Brevet Brigadier General in March 1865.
Monuments to Their Bravery
There are two monuments for the 25th and 75th Ohio Regiments. They are in the Gettysburg National Military Park.
- One monument is north of Gettysburg on East Howard Avenue. It is on Barlow's Knoll, where they fought on the first day.
- The second monument is on Wainwright Avenue. This street is near where they fought on East Cemetery Hill on the second day.
