23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry - Regimental History

The 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry mustered into the Union Army on June 11, 1861 at Camp Chase in Columbus under the command of Colonel William S. Rosecrans. Rosecrans, a regular army officer in the past, was quickly promoted and was succeeded by Colonel E.P. Scammon.

The 23rd served in Western Virginia until August, when it transferred to the Army of the Potomac under George B. McClellan. The 23rd fought at South Mountain and Antietam in the fall of 1862, losing over 200 men in these battles.

In March, 1863, the 23rd moved to the Kanawha Valley (Western Virginia) and joined General George Crook's raid on the Virginia and Tennessee railroad, in April, 1864. In June it joined Hunter's march on Lynchburg; returned to Charleston July 1st, then proceeded to Martinsburg. It engaged in the battle of Winchester, July 24th, losing 150 men; and fought at Opequan on the 19th of September.

After Sheridan's victories on the Shenandoah the regiment returned to Martinsburg and remained in the neighborhood until the close of the war. It was mustered out July 26th, 1865.

The members of this Regiment gained distinction in military and civilian life. Rosecrans became a noted general. One time colonel of the 23rd, Rutherford B. Hayes and William S. McKinley became President of the United States.