Brief Chronology of The Seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry

The Year 1861

April

18th- General Order # 5 was issued to establish Camp Taylor outside of Cleveland, Ohio.

20th- Brigade Order #1 which summoned all Militia Companies in northeast Ohio to Camp Taylor.

27th- Company A, Second Brigade, Ninth Division Ohio Volunteer Militia, arrived at Camp Taylor from Warren, Ohio under the command of Captain Joel Asper.

30th- The Regiment was mustered in for three month service.

May

2nd- Special Order #135- all troops at Camp Taylor are to be moved to Camp Dennison in Cincinnati as soon as possible.

3rd- Special Order #146- The Seventh Ohio was to report to Camp Jackson in Columbus until further notice.

5th- The Seventh was arrived in Columbus at 4:30 p.m., marched to the State House and camped for the night. Ordered to Camp Dennison with the other troops, left at 5 am.

7th- E.B. Tyler from Ravenna was voted Colonel of the Seventh Ohio.

10th- Regimental Parade at 4 p.m.

11th- Rained hard all night- normal camp routine.

12th- Sunday, rain and fog continued all night. Many sick men in camp.

15th- Rain stopped, very pleasant day.

17th- More regiments begin to arrive at Camp Dennison. Today the 13th Ohio marched into camp.

18th- The 5th and 9th Ohio Volunteer Infantry reported to camp today. Very serious measles outbreak in camp.

19th- Sunday, rained hard in the late afternoon.

20th- Continued rain all day and night the barracks leaked badly. First rumors of movement to Virginia were heard.

June

2nd- Sunday, very warm and humid. Troops are very tired.

4th- Rained harder today than we have ever seen before!

5th- Camp is flooded out.

17th- General McClellan has come to camp for a full review of the troops at Camp Dennison.

19th- The majority of the Seventh enlisted for three years service. This was a very emotional decision for most of the men.

25th- Arms, uniforms, and accoutrements were issued to the men.

26th- At 6 p.m. the Seventh boarded trains to take them to Columbus, there were 45 cars required to haul all of the men.

27th- After stopping in Columbus to take on ammunition the Seventh, at 3 p.m., reached Bellaire, crossed over to Benwood at noon, and was 4 miles from Wheeling, West Virginia.

28th- At 2 am the Regiment left for Grafton, West Virginia and at 3 p.m. reached Clarksburg, West Virginia.

29th- At 4 p.m. the Regiment began their first march of the war enroute to Weston, West Virginia.

30th- At 5 am Sunday morning the Regiment arrived at Weston. They marched all night and covered 29 miles. Total exhaustion.

July

1st - In camp- rained all day.

2nd- Dress parade at 5 p.m.- rained most of the day.

4th- Very fine day. Townspeople cooked a large feast for the men.

5th- Reconnaissance to Burnetts Mill- 18 miles.

6th- Ordered on a reconnaissance mission Company D arrived at Jacksonville at 5 p.m.

7th- Companies B and H were sent to Glenville, West Virginia. Morning rain and afternoon sun.

8th- The remainder of the Seventh was ordered to Glenville on a reconnaissance mission. Morning rain afternoon sun. Company D ordered back to Weston.

9th - After an all night forced march the remainder of the Seventh arrived at Glenville, a distance of 27 miles. Company D arrived from scouting trip at 7 p.m.

11th - Again it rained all day.

14th- Six companies of the Seventh were in Glenville, all others on reconnaissance missions.

21st- Colonel Tyler came in from Glenville and immediately went to Clarksburg. Companies K ,H, F, & C were out while Major Casement was in Bulltown with reserve companies E, G, & B.

22nd- Major Casement was to move to Bulltown with reserves.

23rd- The Regiment marched at 6:30 p.m. towards Bulltown, West Virginia a distance of 30 miles.

24th- Reached Bulltown, Regiment was intact again.

25th- Marched passed Salt Lick Bridge a distance of 5 miles to Jacksonville. Some light picket action here. Arrived at 11 p.m., entire Regiment is together again.

26th - More picket action- no one hurt.

27th- The Regiment moved at 3 p.m. through mud and rain to Flatwood, West Virginia a total of 5 miles. Pitched tents at 11 p.m.

28th- The men reached Sutton at 1:30 p.m., which was another 8 miles march, it was deserted. Rained hard all day.

29th- The men were without rations for two days. Supper consisted of hard bread and coffee.

30th- Regiment was assigned breastworks construction.

31st- Continued building breastworks.

August

1st -Completed breastwork construction.

2nd- Left Sutton at noon, extremely hot, moved to Birch Mountain another 8 miles. Met 13th Ohio.

3rd- Left camp at 6:30 am and moved to the foot of Powels Mountain, 8 miles.

4th- Sunday, little activity. Men went sight seeing to Powels Mountain. Most of the men had never seen mountains as magnificent as those in West Virginia.

6th- Crossed Powel Mountain and moved to Big Meadow a distance of 14 miles. Left camp at 5:30 am and set up camp 5 miles from Summersville.

7th- Moved at 3 p.m. to Summersville, West Virginia a march of only 5 miles. Place deserted.

9th- Friday, still in Summersville, drilled most of the day.

10th- Rained most of the day.

11th - More rain, camp miserable.

12th- For sanitary reasons camp was moved to higher ground.

13th- Several reconnaissance parties were deployed.

14th - Captain Sprague and his party are captured by the Rebels. The remainder of the regiment was extremely upset with the Sprague incident. The weather was pleasant.

15th - The Regiment was ordered to Cross Lanes, West Virginia a distance of about 7 miles. Left camp at 10:30 am.

16th - Friday, dress parade at 6:30 p.m.

18th - Dress parade at 6 p.m., Company K stationed at Two-Mile Ferry.

19th- Rained exceptionally hard all day.

20th- The Seventh moved to the area around Twenty Mile Creek a distance of about 20 miles. They began at 10 p.m. and arrived at 5 am with no stops. Moon was very bright throughout the night, but rain came again at daylight. The men are wet to the skin.

21st- Arrived at Gauley Bridge at a little past midnight. They marched in the rain all day.

22nd- Miserable day soaked to the skin with the rain.

23rd- Still located at Gauley Bridge, its Friday and the sun is shining. New clothing issued to some of the men.

24th- The Regiment moved to Peters Creek. The march began at 11 am and lasted most of the day. A train of at least 35 wagons followed the troops.

25th- The Regiment moved at 3pm back to Cross Lanes. They reached there about dark after a 20-mile march. Picket action.

26th- General Floyd of the Confederate Army attacked the Regiment at dawn resulting in the Battle of Cross Lanes. The Seventh Regiment was beaten badly, the Regiment was scattered as five Companies went to Gauley Bridge and the other three Companies went to Charleston a distance of about 50 miles.

31st- Half the Regiment reached Charleston while the other half stayed at Gauley Bridge.

September

5th- Camp at Gauley Bridge is a mess from the continued rain.

9th - Gauley Bridge, rained all day, quarters were in very bad shape.

11th - Severe rainstorm all night.

13th- The companies at Gauley Bridge moved to Dogwood Gap, West Virginia a distance of 18 miles.

16th- The Regiment was ordered back to Gauley Bridge again another 18 mile march. More rain.

17th- Another day of hard rain.

28th- Because of all the rain the Kanawha River has flooded.

October

10th- Thursday, the companies at Gauley Bridge were ordered to move to Charleston and rejoin the remainder of the Seventh.

16th- The Regiment was reunited again when the men from Gauley Bridge moved to Charleston, a move of about 38 miles of which 31 were accomplished by boat.

18th- Traveled onward to Charleston using ferry boats to cross the rivers since most of the bridges were out due to the continued flooded rivers.

19th- Moved another 6 miles and encamped at the foot of Tyler's Mountain.

20th- Made Charleston late that night- set up camp outside the city.

21st- The men from Gauley Bridge crossed the river on flat boats and finally rejoined the men at Charleston.

23rd-First real cold night of the fall.

November

2nd- General Rosecrans ordered Colonel Tyler to send 500 men from the Seventh to Loop Creek, West Virginia and report to General Benham for temporary duty.

4th- Tyler's men boarded barges at 9 p.m. and went down the Gauley River to Loop Creek a distance of about 30 miles.

5th- Landed six miles below Gauley Bridge at Blue's Creek.

6th- The men crossed Loop Creek under the command of General Benham.

7th- The Regiment moved 7 or 8 miles up Loop Creek via the mountain paths to Taylor's farm. The day was beautiful.

8th- Very little to eat- coffee and hard bread.

9th- Commenced raining hard at midnight and rained hard all day.

10th- They moved from Taylor's farm to an old sawmill a distance of about 18 miles. A bright sunny day.

12th- Thursday, reached Cassidy's Mill after a forced march and continued to Fayette Court House, West Virginia via Cotton Hill a total of 12 miles.

13th- Left at daylight and moved to Dickerson's farm in readiness to fight the troops of General Floyd. A move of about 20 miles. (Generally known as the Cotton Hill Campaign)

14th- Pursuit of General Floyd's men to McCoy's Mill- heavy skirmish- another 20 miles. Rebels flee.

15th- At Keaton's farm- at 1 am began the return march to Loop Creek. Very cold.

16th- Marched through 4" of snow.

17th- At 7 am the Regiment reached Cotton Hill, a march of about 12 miles. Men were without food or shelter.

18th- Moved to Gauley River via Loop Creek approximately 10 miles.

19th- The Regiment boarded barges to take them back to Charleston. It was a 31-mile trip by water. The Campaign in Western Virginia ends. General Floyd never returns.

22nd- Dress parade in camp at 6 p.m.

24th- The first snow of the winter today.

30th- Incessant rain all day.

December

1st - Sunday, the rain continued. Many men held services.

4th- The rain turned to ice and by morning there was a quarter of an inch of ice on everything.

5th- Regimental review in camp.

10th- Remained in Charleston until today. The men boarded steamers to take them to Parkersburg via Point Pleasant.

11th- Reached Parkersburg and transferred to the railroad depot.

16th- After passing through Cumberland and Patterson Creek on the railroad, the 7th arrives at Green Spring Run. A distance of about 220 miles by rail.

17th- Marched from Green Spring Run to Romney, a distance of about 16 miles from the depot.

18th- Remained in Romney for the remainder of December.

The Year 1862

January

1st - The men remained in camp but life was extremely difficult because of the weather.

6th- Part of the Regiment, under Major Casement, was part of the Blue's Gap Affair. A march of 32 miles round trip through the mountains resulted in a brief skirmish., the capture of some prisoners, and the expulsion of the Rebel nest. Left camp at midnight and marched through a snowstorm.

7th-10th Remained in camp near Romney. Very cold and windy conditions. Still a few stragglers returning from Blue's Gap.

10th- Marched from Romney at 10 p.m. and passed through Springfield to Frankfort.

11th - Continued their march until they reached Patterson's Creek near Cumberland at 5 p.m. where they went into camp. Twenty-four miles from Romney.

12th-18th Remained in camp near New Creek.

19th- The Seventh and Fifth Ohio was joined by the 29th and 66th Ohio Regiments. These four Regiments would be together for the next two years.

20th-28th The camp near New Creek was named Camp Kelly and the men remained there.

28th- A portion of the Seventh was sent by rail to the South branch of the Potomac to confiscate and return with some 1000 bushels of wheat.

February

1st -4th Remained at Camp Kelly.

5th- Under the command of E.B. Tyler the men were ordered to march to French's Store a distance of 12 miles. Companies A and D were sent on a scouting party to Phillips Cross Roads a round trip of 40 miles.

6th- After dark on the 5th the men moved again via a small mountain road up the Little Cacapon River a distance of 15 miles and stopped at an old saw mill on Little Cacapon Mountain.

7th- Moved to Pine Laurel then to French's Store, 5 miles.

8th- From French's Store to Paw Paw Station in a driving storm with no tents or baggage.

13th- At 4 p.m. left camp and crossed the Big Cacapon River on a pontoon bridge, arrived at Bloomery Forge at 5 am on the morning of the 14th. Skirmished with Rebel forces briefly. Returned to camp at Paw Paw at 9 p.m.- marching a total of 32 miles!

March

1st- Ordered to Bloomery Gap.

3rd- General Lander dies. A portion of the Seventh escorts his body to the railroad depot for movement to Washington D.C.

5th- The Seventh is now assigned to the 5th Army Corp under General Nathaniel Banks. They become part of General Shields Division, 3rd Brigade. They were transferred 42 miles by rail to Back Creek.

6th- Left Back Creek and marched through Hedgerville and arrived in Martinsburg at Midnight, 11 miles.

7th-10th- Remained outside of Martinsburg and camped for three days.

11th - Passed Martinsburg and Big Spring. Moved through Bunker's Hill and camped at Stevenson's Depot- 16 miles.

12th - Camped three miles north of Winchester at Camp Hill- 4 miles.

13th- Entered Winchester via Gerardstown and Whitehall. Seventy-four miles from Washington D.C.

14th - The 7th was sent to Front Royal via White Post and Stone Point, 17 miles.

15th - Moved from Front Royal to Middletown, 8 miles.

17th - Skirmish near Fisher's Hill.

18th - Moved through Woodstock to Mt. Jackson then back to Fisher's Hill.

19th -20th - Was ordered back to camp 3 miles north of Winchester. The march was completed during a terrible thunderstorm. Marched 23 miles in 7 hours. Marched 54 miles in three days.

22nd- The Seventh was held in reserve while the 1st and 2nd Brigades advanced to Winchester. At 5 p.m. the Regiment fell in line and was ordered on the double through Winchester and then back again. It was raining hard all day.

23rd- The men marched through Winchester again on their way to Kernstown, just south of Winchester a distance of 19 miles. The Battle of Kernstown began about 4 p.m.

24th- After a victorious battle the Regiment followed the Rebels south to Cedar Creek. Here they set up camp until April 1st. It rained most of the time and the men stood many hours of guard duty.

28th- Located about 2 miles from Strasburg.

April

1st - Continued the pursuit of Jackson's forces to Edenburg having passed through Woodstock. Set up camp back at Strasburg. Moved a total of 10 miles.

2nd - Marched from Strasburg enroute to New Market. Passed through Woodstock, Edenburg, and Red Banks.

12th - They passed through Monterrey, small skirmish here.

15th- Marched to Columbia Furnace still in pursuit of Jackson's forces.

17th- Advanced to New Market while the enemy is still in retreat. Passed through Mount Jackson and Forrestville a distance of 20 miles- skirmish at Stoney Creek.

19th- Moved to Sparta.

20th - Reached New Market where they camped for about a week- 4 miles.

26th- At Woodstock.

May

3rd- The men moved to Harrisonburg- 4 miles.

5th- The Regiment was ordered back to New Market where they setup camp, 10 miles.

7th- Moved near Harrisonburg.

12th- The Regiment was ordered to Fredricksburg, Va. They crossed the Massanutton Mountain Range, the South branch of the Shenandoah River at White House Bridge a distance of 16 miles. The force here was made of 10,000 men, 356 wagons, and 2500 horses.

13th- Tuesday, at 7 am, the Regiment marched on a very warm day.

14th- After marching 15 miles the Seventh reached Front Royal. The day began at 6 am and they reached their destination at 3:30 p.m.- it rained all day.

15th- The Regiment, starting at 9 am, would march another 10 miles today still enroute to Fredricksburg.

16th- After several hours on the road the men encountered Rebel cavalry and a heavy skirmish ensued. This action occurred at Gaines Cross Roads and the enemy was successfully driven off. It was a pleasant day and the men moved 10 miles.

17th- At 6 am the men began moving again. It was a pleasant day and the men crossed the Rappahannock River at Waterloo Bridge and camped at Warrenton a distance of 16 miles.

18th- It was Sunday and the Regiment was allowed to take the day off and rest and hold services.

19th- At 5 am the men resumed their march to Fredricksburg. At 3 PM the men reached Warrenton Junction.

20th-- Today the Regiment would reach Catlett's Station.

21st- Wednesday, moved out at 6 am, a very warm day and the Regiment reached Fredericksburg at 10:30 p.m.

22nd- After two weeks of constant marching the Regiment was at Fredricksburg. Here General Shields Division would join that of General McDowell's making a force of 40,000 men, 100 pieces of artillery, and 11,000 horses. To get here the men marched 132 miles in 9 days.

23rd- President Lincoln would review the entire force located at Fredricksburg, including the Seventh. The weather is chilly with scattered showers.

24th- The Brigade was reorganized while in Fredericksburg as follows: the Brigade now included the 5th, 7th, 29th, and 66th Ohio. It was at this time that Major Casement resigned.

25th- The Regiment was ordered back to the Shenandoah Valley to thwart the return of Stonewall Jackson. They left Fredricksburg at noon and marched towards Catlett's Station, a distance of 12 miles.

26th- Very warm today. The men marched at 5 am and reached Catlett's Station, a distance of 14 miles, by sundown.

27th- At 7 am the men hit the road again this time reaching Haymarket where they camped. A distance of 15 miles.

28th- Starting today at 5 am the Regiment moved to White Plains a move of another 15 miles.

29th- Left camp at 7 am and reached Rectortown at 11 am. Left Rectortown at 4 PM and halted along the road at dark and awaited supplies. Passed through Manassas Gap- 13 miles.

30th - At 6 am the men left camp and marched through Thoroughfare Gap and at 3 pm reached Front Royal. Another 15 miles today.

31st- Moved south from Front Royal along the river and passed Piedmont at 9 am and Markham at 4 p.m.

June

1st- The men were on the move again- after moving out at 5 p.m. the men set up camp again at 9 p.m. enroute to Luray, 7 miles.

2nd- After an all night rain the men moved out at 6 am. They arrived outside of Luray at 6 p.m. were they set up camp. Another 15 miles today.

3rd- Left camp at 7 p.m. and passed through Luray at noon heading south. Set up camp at 2 p.m. moved 8 miles today.

4th- Remained in camp today as it has rained all night and day.

5th- Weather cleared up today as the men moved through Hamburg and camped at Alma- only 7 miles.

6th- Left camp at 7 am and moved through Alma to Honeyville where they reached at 7 p.m. Ordered to Port Republic to hold a bridge there.

7th- On the move again the men broke camp at 8 am and marched until 8 p.m. where they set up camp near Conrad's Store- 15 miles. Passed Columbia Bridge and Naked Creek.

8th- Enroute to Port Republic to keep Jackson and his forces from crossing the river. The men moved at 4 am and marched 4 miles before a meager breakfast of bread and crackers. Continued to Port Republic reaching there at 3 p.m. a distance of 23 miles.

9th- The Battle of Port Republic. Here the men stood proud against overwhelming odds but eventually had to give way to Jackson's forces.

10th - After retreating the brigade found themselves about 12 miles from Columbia Bridge. The condition of the men were very bad at this time, 30% of the Regiment was without shoes!

11th - The Regiment reached Hamburg and set up camp there until the 15th. A long march of 40 miles. Passed Conrad's Bridge.

15th- Left camp at 7 am and moved north of Luray about 4 miles. They set up camp at 4 pm a distance of 14 miles.

16th - Moved to Front Royal through Markham and White Plains a move of 14 miles.

21st- Broke camp at 6 am and marched until 5 p.m., set up camp east of Rectortown, a distance of 14 miles.

22nd- Set out again at 7 am. Passed through Rectortown and halted at 4 p.m. midway between Rectortown and Salem, another 14 miles.

23rd- Marched at 5 am and passed through White Plains, Thoroughfare Gap, Haymarket, and Manassas Junction and arrived at Bristoe Station and camped by Broad Run at 5 p.m.- 16 miles.

25th- Relocated camp about 1 mile for sanitary reasons.

26th - General Shields was relieved of duty for his failure at Port Republic, General Geary replaces General Tyler.

27th- The Regiment was ordered to Alexandria. They boarded railroad cars and left Bristoe Station heading east.

28th- The Regiment arrived in Alexandria and set up camp along the Potomac River where they remained for approx. a month.

July

2nd- Very bad rain storm in camp.

4th- Grand review of the Regiment by the Commanding General.

5th- The men were issued new Springfield rifles to replace their old flintlock muskets. This was a 100% improvement.

6th- Remained in camp and relaxed, wrote letters, and rested.

10th- Speeches were heard from several politicians from Ohio. Governor Dennison and also congressman Thomas Ketchins from Trumbull County were a few.

24th- Finally received orders to join either Pope or McClellan.

25th- The Brigade was ordered to Little Washington to join the forces under General Banks. The men boarded railroad cars bound for Warrenton. Up at 4 am, marched at 7 am to railroad boarded cars at noon and left the station at 4 p.m. arrived in Warrenton at 11:30 p.m.

26th- Saturday- a very warm day and the Seventh camped along the railroad to await orders.

31st- Marched from Warrenton at 6 am, crossed the Rappahannoch River at Waterloo Bridge and camped for the night at 6 p.m. Another very warm day, moved a distance of 16 miles.

August

1st- Marched to Little Washington and joined Banks' corps. Started out at 8 am and passed Gaines Cross Roads and arrived at 2 p.m.

2nd- Camped near Sperryville, 16 miles from Warrenton,

3rd- General Pope inspects the entire force here, General Geary replaces General Tyler who is sent to Washington, the Brigade now consists of the following: 5th, 7th, 29th, 66th Ohio; 28th Pa, and Knapps Battery- a total of 1800 men. The Regiment is now part of the Second Corp.

4th- Camped near Little Washington, very hot.

6th - It continues to be very warm. The men move out at 6 am and pass through Sperryville to Woodville. Moved 14 miles today. Arrived at 4 p.m. and set up camp.

7th- Again on the road at 6 am. Only moved 4 miles and set up camp at 10 am at Hazel River.

8th- Left camp at 4 am and marched to Culpepper Court House. The heat of the day was suffocating and the men reached their destination at 8 p.m.- only 8 miles.

The Battle of Cedar Mountain

9th- At 8 am the men marched towards Orange Court House. The heat was exceedingly high and the men suffered greatly. It required 6 hours to march 7 miles and along the way many men died of heat stroke. The Regiment arrived at Cedar Mountain at about 2:30 and the Battle began. The Regiment lost many men in this brief but fierce battle. The men marched a short distance from the battlefield and set up camp- 11 miles.

10th- After taking a severe beating at the hands of the Rebels the Seventh returned to Culpepper Court House.

11th- The Seventh was now part of the 2nd Army Corp, 2nd Division, 1st Brigade, General John Geary Commanding. The Brigade consisted of the 5th, 7th, 29th, 66th, Ohio and the 28th Pa.

12th- Received orders to return to Culpepper a distance of 4 miles. Remained there until the 18th.

18th- The Regiment moved to the north side of the Rappahannoch River. At 4 p.m. they struck tents and loaded their wagons in anticipation to move out but had to wait for the passage of the entire army. They did not move until the next morning.

19th- Tuesday, at 10 am they moved down the Rappahannoch River and assembled into a line of battle, unnecessarily. It was still very warm and dusty- 12 miles today.

20th- The Regiment set up camp at Beverly's Ford. From here they were ordered into the woods as skirmishers and at dark returned to camp.

Second Bull Run Campaign (21st through September 2nd)

21st- While at Beverly's Ford the Regiment had a light skirmish with the Rebel cavalry. They were ordered to be ready to move at a moment's notice. Cannonading continued all around them, at 3 p.m. the Rebel cavalry made an offensive at the Ford but was repulsed. At 8 p.m. they were ordered to the left, but with less than a mile covered were halted and set up camp. (Skirmish of Snicker's Gap)

22nd- At 5 am action started on their right so they moved without breakfast. They moved only two miles and halted, then ordered to the right with the Fifth Ohio to support a battery. At 8 am they moved further right and encamped for the night- 8 miles today.

23rd- At 6 am cannonading was very heavy on their left. At 3 p.m. they were ordered into the woods again as skirmishers. It was raining very hard at this time and the men were soaked. They traveled the worst roads they had seen so far in the war- mud to their ankles. Went into camp at 10 p.m. and rested less than an hour before they were assigned picket duty. Moved another 10 miles today.

24th- Again cannonading from the right awoke the men at 7am. They moved about a mile and halted until about 11 am then started again passing through enemy fire before halting near White Sulfur Springs. After an hour or so they moved on again, marching until about 7 p.m.- 7 miles.

25th- Moved forward to their right then ordered to return. At 5 p.m. the Regiment began to move towards Warrenton down the Mud road and set up camp at 9 p.m. a move of 7 miles.

26th- At 10 am the Regiment moved into the woods to await orders. At 9 p.m. the men were on the move again marching from 9 p.m. to 3 am- a march that will long be remembered.

27th- At 10 am the Regiment left camp and marched two miles. Here they were ordered into line of battle and the men rested on their arms. At 2 p.m. the Regiment was again on the move, they passed Bealington Station and at 8 p.m. went into camp near Warrenton Junction- 10 miles.

28th- The Seventh was ordered to Waterloo, here the Second Battle of Bull Run was fought. The Regiment was off again at 5 am, passed through Warrenton Junction and Catlett's Station and camped along the railroad tracks- 5 miles. (Second Battle of Mannassas). The Seventh did not take an active part in the battle as they were assigned to guard the railroad.

29th- It was Friday and the Regiment moved to Kettle Run- they had not played a key role in the battle.

30th- Fall in was sounded at 4 am when the Rebel cavalry was sighted. No skirmish occurred- they forced marched to Bristoe Station and went on picket duty for the night.

31st- It was Sunday and the men were at Bristoe Station. At 6 am the men were ordered to board the trains and salvage everything they could. They were to burn everything, engine, cars, and depot. With this accomplished the Regiment was ordered to flee the area. At 9 p.m. they marched through Brentsville and arrived near Mannassas where they went into camp- 12 miles.

September

1st - The Regiment marched towards Fairfax Court House, they passed through Centerville, and continued on through a severe thunderstorm which made marching very difficult- only 4 miles today.

2nd- Reached Fairfax Court House and continued 6 miles southeast of town, it was very rough going through high temperatures.

3rd- The men moved to Fort Richardson just beyond Alexandria. General Banks was relieved because of ill health and replaced by General A. S. Williams. It was also on this date that General McClellan became General of the Army. They arrived in Alexandria at 5 p.m. after marching 16 miles in searing heat.

4th- At 10 p.m. the Regiment moved to Georgetown, crossed the Potomac using Aqueduct Bridge, and marched to Tanneytown, near Washington D.C. arriving there at 4 p.m.

5th - Moved to Rockville Md. a distance of 16 miles. It was Saturday and the march began at 2 p.m. and they went into camp at 9 p.m.

6th- At 11 am the Regiment moved out about 3 miles from Rockville and set up camp again. They remained here for the next two days.

9th- At 11 am the men moved to Middlebrook and set up camp at 5 p.m. in a cornfield -covering 7 miles.

10th- The men moved within two miles of Damascus. They began at 9 am and halted at 5 p.m. covering another 7 miles.

11th - Again on the move at 7 am. They moved very slowly and cautiously because they were very close to the enemy. The distance moved all day was only 2 miles.

12th- At 6 am the men moved to Ijamsville. The Second Corp now becomes the 12th Corp. They camped at 6 p.m.

13th- Friday the 13th! At 7 am the Regiment moved to Frederick City a distance of 12 miles. This was the place of the famous lost order of General Lee, which the Union found and made use of during the Battle of Antietam. The men crossed the Monocacy River at 11 am- 5 more miles.

14th- At 8 am the men moved through Frederick City. The Seventh arrived alongside South Mountain at about midnight, the battle there was almost over. They continued to Middletown 16 miles.

15th- At 9 am the regiment marched over South Mountain through Boonesboro and camped at Keedysburg, not far from Antietam Creek. Halted at 6 p.m. 5 miles.

16th- The Confederate Army, under General Lee, had taken their position on the south side of Antietam Creek awaiting the attack of the Federals. However, the battle was not to take place on this day for various reasons. At 11 o'clock that night the Regiment was awakened and quietly forded the Antietam Creek, they took up position at 3 am and slept until dawn.

17th- The Battle of Antietam.

It was very warm and dusty causing great amounts of dust during the troop movements. This would be the bloodiest day the Western Hemisphere has ever seen.

18th- Geary's Division remained on the battlefield with arms stacked. The job of helping the wounded and removing the dead was a most gruesome task. At 10 am the Regiment moved into the woods and awaited further orders. The Rebels were on the run. It was quite warm again with severe afternoon thunderstorms.

19th- At 8 am they marched over the battlefield and awaited orders until 5 p.m., they then marched towards Harpers Ferry, arriving at Sandy Hook at about 3 p.m. on the 20th after marching all night. They moved through Sharpsburg and Rohrersville and halted at midnight. It was foggy in the morning but cleared about noon- 14 miles.

20th- Moved out at 7 am to Maryland Heights and at 6 p.m. set up camp at Sandy Hook again. A very pleasant day marching about 9 miles.

21st- At 11 am the men moved out again. This time they waded the Potomac River and went into camp at Harpers Ferry. Another pleasant day.

22nd- The Seventh moved to Loudon Heights and went into camp. The men remained here for about a month. The Regiment received about 150 new recruits from Ohio, which was a welcome site. The men desperately needed the rest to overcome exhaustion that had set in from the past several months of constant marching and fighting.

October

2nd- The Seventh Regiment was reviewed by President Abraham Lincoln, he was given a 21 gun salute The day was very warm and dusty.

4th- At 8 am the Regiment relocated their camp for sanitary reasons.

11th - Showers all day and much cooler. A few new recruits arrived in camp today.

20th- The Seventh received orders to ready for another move.

21st- At 2:30 am the Regiment marched from Loudon Heights through Loudon Valley to Lonnetsville where they captured many prisoners by surprise. They covered 20 miles today having passed through Hillsboro and Morrowsville before reaching Lonnetsville.

22nd- Returned the 20 miles to Loudon Heights. Reached camp at 3 p.m. The days were quite cool and dry but very windy. General inspection.

24th- The Regiment was given a general inspection. Fine day but windy.

30th- After remaining in Loudon Heights for a week the Regiment crossed the Potomac and moved to Bolivar Heights. Upon reaching the camp the Regiment was sent out on picket duty, another fine day.

31st- Returned to camp from picket duty at 5 p.m., very dusty but mild.

November

1st - Had general muster of the brigade. It was a pleasant day with still lots of blowing dust. The Regiment remained for several days here in camp. 6th- The division stood for review by the commanding officer General John Geary- at 2 p.m. Very cold.

3rd- The weather turned cold and windy, remained here until the 6th.

7th- Still in camp the men were exposed to the first sleet and snow of the winter.

8th- Reconnaissance to Rippon, Virginia.

9th- The men were awakened at 1 am and at 3 am were on their way on a reconnaissance mission through Hallstown and Charlestown and 4 miles beyond, they returned to camp at 8 p.m. traveling 24 miles on a cold day.

14th- Lots of picket action today and the men would carry their arms with them all day. A pleasant day.

15th- A very cool day and it was the Seventh's turn for picket duty. Returned to camp at 7 p.m.

16th- The Regiment was assigned road building duty. At 8 am they marched a short distance and participated in the construction of a new road. Two men had their legs broken by falling trees today. They returned to camp at 6 p.m. Very cool in the morning with afternoon showers.

17th - At 8 am the Regiment left camp to participate in the road crew again. They worked until 5 p.m. when they returned to camp. The work was very difficult because it rained all day. Rebel pickets could be seen near there for most of the day.

18th- The day was a repeat of the 17th, roadwork during a misty rain all day. Again returned to camp at 5 p.m. The remainder of the month was spent in much the same fashion.

19th- One of the men of the 29th Ohio Regiment was branded and sent out of camp today.

21st- Very pleasant today, continued on the road crew as usual.

23rd- Another general inspection of the Regiment was held today.

26th- Wednesday- it had rained all night and had turned cool.

27th- Thanksgiving Day- Fair weather today and most men enjoyed the feasts today.

December

2nd- The Seventh was sent on a reconnaissance mission to Winchester, Va. They left camp at 6:30 am and at 8:30 reached Berryville and was engaged in a heavy skirmish with the Rebel cavalry. Camped at 6 p.m. after passing through Hallsville and Charlestown- 21 miles. The mission included 3200 men and 12 pieces of artillery.

3rd- Wednesday- the men crossed the Opequon Creek still enroute to Winchester. The Regiment only moved about 6 miles along the creek before they camped.

4th- The men reached Winchester but an epidemic of Small Pox prevented them from entering the town. A small skirmish ensued and the men captured 118 prisoners. At about 3 p.m. the Regiment started their return to Harpers Ferry- 17 miles on the day.

5th- The men bivouacked in a terrible snow storm with little or no protection from the elements. They left camp at 7 am and passed through Bunker Hill- a distance of 13 miles and went into camp at 3 p.m.

6th- Saturday- Returned to Bolivar Heights where they remained for the next few days. The day began at 7 am and they proceeded over partially frozen roads most of the day. They arrived at Bolivar Heights at 3 p.m. after passing through Charlestown and Hallstown- 12 miles.

10th- The 12th Corp left Bolivar Heights at 8 am enroute to Dumfries, Va. They passed through Bolivar, Harper's Ferry, and crossed the Shenandoah River into Pleasant Valley. They continued through Hillsboro and Majorsville, a total of 13 miles.

11th - At 5 am the Regiment was on the move again. They marched through Wheatland and Leesburg, it was a pleasant day and they covered about 15 miles.

12th- They continued towards Dumfries and moved through Goose Creek, Aldie, and Gum Springs and encamped. It was a mild but foggy day- 7 miles.

13th- Up again at 5 am and moved at 7 am. Passed through Centerville and Fairfax and encamped for the night. It was a beautiful cloudless day - 14 miles today.

14th- At 7 am the men passed Fairfax Court House and onto Fairfax Station. Continued for 8 miles and camped for the night. Another nice day for December.

15th- Crossed Opaquoan Creek at Wolfe Run Ford and continued towards Dumfries. Sunny but windy today- 12 miles.

16th- At 4 am the Regiment was awakened by a severe thunderstorm. At 7 am the men were on the move again but it proved to be fruitless and after 10 hours of marching through the mud they had covered only 2 miles. They set up camp and the Seventh was assigned picket duty.

17th- Continued towards Dumfries. The Regiment was so exhausted from the day before that they only marched for three hours, it was a fine warm day.

18th- At 10 am the Regiment finally arrived at Dumfries. Here the men set up camp for winter camp.

27th- Jeb Stuart's cavalry made a hard charge against the Regiment but was repulsed with numerous losses. Battle of Dumfries, Va.

28th- The Seventh Ohio remained in winter camp at Dumfries until April 20th 1863. During their stay some of the prisoners taken at Cross Lanes were returned to the Regiment. This was a great boost in morale. The men were busied during their stay by standing picket duty marching on some reconnaissance missions, and working on road crews.

29th- General Inspection.

The Year 1863

April

20th- At 6 am the Regiment moved from Dumfries, their winter quarters, enroute to Chancellorsville, Virginia. It rained for most of the day making their march very difficult.

21st- The Regiment reached Hartwood Church.

22nd- Marched through Staffords Court House, a cool morning but warm afternoon.

27th- Reached Kelly's Ford on the Rappahannoch River. It was a fine day.

29th- Crossed the Rappahannoch. The morning was misty with fog but in the afternoon there were thunderstorms.

30th- Reached Chancellorsville at 2 p.m. and awaited further orders. The day was misty and cold, but pleasant in the evening.

May

1st -5th The Battle of Chancellorsville. Battle begins at 12:15 p.m.

6th- The Regiment, in retreat, crossed the Rappahannoch at U. S. Ford using pontoon bridges. This is in itself quite a feat since it had been raining most of the day and night, making the crossing very dangerous.

7th- Arrived in Aquia Landing and immediately went into camp. The Regiment moved at 6 am and passed Hartwood Church and Staffordshire. Rain continued for most of the day.

8th- 31st The men remained at Aquia Landing to recuperate from the battle.

June

1st -12th- Still in Aquia Landing. While here the men contributed in building two small forts.

13th- The Regiment left camp at 8 p.m. and marched all night. They reached Dumfries about 6 am the next morning.

14th- Remained in Dumfries to rest after their 15 mile overnight march.

15th- At 4 am the Regiment was on the move again. The heat was very exhausting and it took a toll on General Geary's men. Today they would march 25 miles in the heat causing at least 15 men to die from heat stroke and exhaustion.

16th- The regiment rested at Fairfax Court House- shelter was very difficult to find.

17th- General lee now heading for Pennsylvania and the Seventh was part of the Union force sent to meet him. Today they would march to Dranesville, a distance of 11 miles.

18th- They continued their march to Leesburg, rained all day, 18 miles.

19th- Witnessed the execution of three deserters.

26th- After waiting to see what Lee would do the regiment was put into motion again. This time across the Potomac River at Edwards Ferry a distance of 15 miles. Passed Poolesville. Spent the night at Monocacy Aqueduct.

27th - The Regiment moved from near Monocacy River via Points of Rock to Knoxville, Md. a total of 18 miles. Moved at 4:30 am and passed Petersville and Parkersburg.

28th - Regiment marched from Knoxville to Frederick City passing through Jefferson a total of 12 miles.

29th - Marched to Bruceville from Frederick City a march of 18 miles. Continued to Tanneytown, another 5 miles. Passed Walkersville, Woodboro, and Bruceville. Hooker relieved of duty and replaced by General Meade.

30th - Marched from Tanneytown to Littlestown, 12 miles.

July

1st - Wednesday- Ordered to Gettysburg a march of 10 miles. They halted at Two Taverns to align in battle array. Moved to the area around Little Round Top Mountain.

2nd-4th - Battle of Gettysburg

To get to Gettysburg the Regiment marched 150 miles in 12 days, an average of 12.5 miles per day.

5th- Moved on the Baltimore Pike back to Littlestown in pursuit of General Lee. They left the battlefield at 1 pm. It had stormed very hard the night before and Lee and his army had slipped away.

6th- The Regiment remained at Littlestown under orders to see what Lee might do next. Very misty fog in the morning but cleared in the afternoon.

7th- At 4:30 am the men moved to Walkersville, a distance of 8 miles. More rain in the afternoon and again at night. The roads were so muddy men could hardly walk.

8th- In pursuit of Lee the men passed through Walkersville, a distance of 20 miles. More rain in the afternoon and again at night.

9th- The command passed through Burkettsville and Compton's Gap enroute to Boonesboro. Fine day but extremely warm. A distance of 10 miles.

10th- Sentiment ran high as the Seventh camped on the old Antietam Battlefield.

11th - The men moved from Bakersville to Fairplay and Jones Cross Roads, 10 miles.

12th- Moved a short distance up river and remained there the remainder of the day.

13th- The command felt that Lee may make another attack so they fell back and built a system of breastworks.

14th- After marching 9 miles to Williamsport, via Falling Waters, the Regiment was engaged in a skirmish. - Lee had fooled the Union Generals and during the night moved off towards Virginia.

15th - A pursuit of lee was ordered. The men arrived at Sandy Hook a distance of 26 miles in a day.

16th- From Sandy Hook to Pleasant Valley, 2 miles.

17th- Remained at Pleasant Valley.

18th- Still at Pleasant Valley awaiting orders.

19th - Still in pursuit of Lee the Regiment left Pleasant Valley and crossed the Potomac at Harpers Ferry, marching 12 miles to Hillsboro.

20th - Marched from Hillsboro to Woodgrove, 5 miles, from Woodgrove to Snickersville, 9 miles.

23rd- After staying at Snickers Gap a few days they marched 30 miles passing through Ashby's Gap to Markham Station.

24th- Marched through Manassas Gap, Linden Station, and reached Piedmont, a distance of 20 miles. Moved at 3 am this morning.

25th- Still in pursuit of Lee, the Regiment moved through Rectortown, White Plains, Thoroughfare Gap, and Greenwich, another 13 miles.

26th- Moved through Haymarket, Gainsville, and Catletts Station a distance of 10 more miles.

27th- Continuing the pursuit of Lee the men reached Warrenton Junction and remained there for a few days. They covered a distance of 15 miles today.

31st - Marched to Kelly's Ford via Elk River and Morrisville, 20 miles.

August

1st - The Seventh crossed the Rappahannoch at Kelly's Ford.

2nd- Marched 4 miles and went into camp at Hartwood Church, remained there for 13 days.

16th-President Lincoln, fearing the possibility of riots in New York City when he announced the first draft for Union soldiers, requested that several Regiments be sent there to quell any such riots. The Seventh Regiment was one that was chosen. The men marched to Rappahannoch Station where they boarded rail cars bound for Alexandria, which they reached at 6 p.m.

22nd- The men boarded the steamer Baltic heading for New York City.

29th-Reached Governors Island where they stayed outside of New York City. They remained here until September 8th.

September

8th- Reboarded the steamer Baltic and returned to Alexandria again. They arrived there on the 11th.

13th- The Regiment was ordered back to the front again. They began their return on this day by marching 8 miles.

14th- Not knowing what their destination was they passed through Fairfax Court House and Centerville before reaching Manassas.

15th- Passed through Manassas, Broad Run and arrived to Catletts Station that evening.

16th- The Regiment crossed the Rappahannoch again and moved to Brandy Station.

17th- Exactly one year after the Battle of Antietam the Seventh rejoined General Geary's forces at Raccoon Ford on the Rapidan River.

18th-23rd- The Regiment remained by the Rapidan River. However, due to the fact that General Rosecrans was defeated at Chickamauga the Seventh was now ordered to the South.

24th- The Regiment was ordered to Brandy Station.

26th-- The men moved to Bealton Station, Virginia.

27th- The men boarded railroad cars at Bealton enroute to Washington DC.

28th- After passing through Washington they continued through Virginia in a westerly direction.

29th- Remained at Brandy Station.

30th- Still on the road the men arrived at Benwood, West Virginia and continued across the river to Bellaire, Ohio. Stopped briefly then arrived in Columbus at 6 am the next morning.

October

1st- Arrived in Columbus but did not stay. They continued their journey and departed for Indianapolis, Ind.

2nd- Reached Indianapolis at about 6 PM.

3rd- Moved to Jeffersonville, Ind. and crossed the river to Louisville, Ky. Left for Nashville at 1 p.m.

4th- Arrived in Nashville and set up camp.

5th- Remained in Nashville for the day.

6th- Boarded railroad cars once again and at 3 p.m. left for Duck River.

7th- Left the train and marched to Wartrace, Tenn.

11th - From the 7th to the 11th the Regiment participated in many scouting parties and misc. activities. Moved to Wartrace Bridge for a short period of time.

14th- Returned to Wartrace and remained there until the 27th.

28th- The Regiment again boarded railroad cars and traveled toward Bridgeport, Alabama.

29th- Still enroute to Bridgeport.

30th- Arrived in Bridgeport and marched to Shell Island while fighting a severe thunderstorm.

31st- The Regiment marched to Wauhatchie. They did not arrive until late that night. Went into camp near General Geary's headquarters'.

November

1st- The Regiment was part of a scouting party.

4th- 16th The Seventh remained in camp.

16th- General Sherman arrived from Vicksburg with his entire army.

17th-23rd Remained in camp.

20th- The Regiment was now part of the 12th Army Corp., Second Division, 1st Brigade.

24th- At 3 am the Regiment was part of the advance on Lookout Mountain. They crossed Lookout Creek and moved to the base of the mountain.

25th- The Battle of Lookout Mountain occurred early and the pursuit of the Rebels was now ordered. At 10 p.m. the Regiment pushed towards Missionary Ridge near Rossville.

26th- At 10 p.m. the men marched through Rossville Gap in pursuit of the Rebels.

27th- This was probably the worst day the Seventh Regiment incurred during the war. At 8 p.m. the Battle of Ringgold, Ga. came to a close and the Regiment suffered tremendous losses. Here Colonel Creighton and Lt. Colonel Crane were killed. These two men led the Seventh through every encounter during the war to this point.

28th- Remained at Ringgold.

December

lst- At 2:30 am the men marched back to Lookout Valley.

2nd- Arrived in camp at their original campsite at Wahatchie. They remained there until Jan 4th, 1864.

6th- On this Sunday morning the bodies of Colonels William R. Creighton and Orrin J. Crane arrived in Cleveland both having been killed in the Battle of Ringgold, Ga. on the 27th of November.

The Year 1864

January

5th- The Regiment was ordered to Bridgeport, Alabama.

6th- April 3rd- Remained in winter camp at Bridgeport.

April

4th- The 12th Army Corp and the 11th Army Corp were combined to form the 20th Army Corp under General Sherman.

4th-12th- Remained in camp.

12th- The Regiment boarded the steamer Chickamauga for an expedition down the Tennessee River.

16th- Returned to Bridgeport at 2 am.

17th- May 3rd- Remained in Bridgeport.

May

4th- Moved to Wahatchie Valley, past Lookout Mountain, and crossed to the Chattanooga side. Here the Regiment saw for the first time the gathering of the greatest war machine this country had ever seen in one place before. In every direction there were men, wagons, and artillery as far as the eye could see.

Action around Tunnel Hill & Buzzards Roost (May 5th through the 9th)

5th- Passed Rossville Gap, over the old Chickamauga battlefield and arrived at Post Oak Church.

6th- Reached Peavine Church.

7th - Marched to Taylor's Ridge, passing Gordon's Spring to Nuckels, 7 miles.

8th- Reached Dug Gap on Rocky Face Ridge. Heavy skirmishing results in many losses to the regiment.

9th-11th - Remained near Rocky Face Ridge on picket duty.

12th- Marched through Snake Creek Gap towards Resaca, 6 miles.

14th- Moved to Resaca and prepared for battle, 6 miles.

15th- Battle of Resaca.

16th- Enemy retreats and General Sherman orders pursuit. Crossed Connesauga Creek at 5 p.m. later arriving at Coosawattee Creek, skirmish with enemy here.

17th- Regiment marches towards Calhoun, still in pursuit. Moved at noon and camped near Calhoun after moving 8 miles.

18th- Moved to Gravely Plateau on the Cassville Road. Marched at 4 am and continued until sunset. Very hot.

Action around Cassville

19th- Near Cassville and remained there until the 22nd. Moved at sunrise in towards the east through brush and fields, very hard going.

23rd- Moved across the Etowah River and set up camp near Stilesville, 9 miles.

24th- Moved to Burnt Hickory.

25th- At 6 am the Regiment moved to Pumpkinvine Creek. At 7 am they moved up the road to Dallas, via the Pumpkinvine Creek at Owens Hill. At 6 p.m. the men reached the area around New Hope Church still fighting as they had the entire day. Moved about 12 during the day.

26th- Continued action around New Hope Church.

June

1st - After several days of fighting the Seventh was relieved by the 15th Army Corp.

2nd- Moved to the rear towards Alatoona Church, 2 miles.

3rd-11th - Remained at Alatoona Church.

11th - The Seventh Ohio Volunteer Regiment received orders to report to Cleveland, Ohio for completion of their active duty. The recruits and some of the veterans transferred to the 5th Ohio, Company B & G, to continue their service. These men, for the most part, served with the 5th Ohio until the end of the War and participated in the Grand March in Washington, D.C.

26th - Sunday morning, the gallant 7th Ohio arrived in Cleveland.

July

3rd- The men of the Seventh escorted the remains of Colonels Creighton and Crane from Erie Cemetery to Woodland Cemetery where they remain today.

6th- Seven companies of the Seventh were mustered out.

7th- The last three companies of the Seventh were mustered out and all military services were terminated on this date.

8th- Members of the Seventh bid farewell to comrades as most went to their homes while others reenlisted in other fighting units.

Page Last Updated: 06/07/99

The above was compiled by Larry L. Hardman

Created and Maintained by Larry Hardman, © 1999, All Rights Reserved;
For Inquiries or Information Contact: lhardman@onecom.com

About | Contact