1862
In the American Civil War, Ohio provided the federal government with 260 regiments of men, including infantry, artillery, and cavalry units. Ohioans also served in several other regiments from other states, most notably from Kentucky, West Virginia, and Massachusetts, as well as in federal units.
In the American Civil War, Ohio provided the federal government with 260 regiments of men, including infantry, artillery, and cavalry units. Ohioans also served in several other regiments from other states, most notably from Kentucky, West Virginia, and Massachusetts, as well as in federal units. Almost 330,000 Ohio men, including 5,092 African Americans, served in the Union military during the conflict.
Infantry regiments formed in Ohio became known as regiments of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. They served for varying lengths of time, averaging one hundred days to three years. On June 10, 1862, the 85th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry mustered into service at Camp Chase, at Columbus, Ohio. The men in the regiment were to serve three months. While called the 85th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the regiment actually only consisted of four companies, the size of a battalion. Failing to recruit enough men to become a formal regiment, the 85th remained at Camp Chase, performing guard duty. At various times, officials assigned companies in the 85th to other three-months' regiments to complete their formation. On September 23, 1862, the companies not assigned to other regiments mustered out of service at Camp Chase.
During the 85th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry’s term of service, ten men, including one officer, perished from disease or accidents. No men died from wounds received on the battlefield.
