21st Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment


The 21st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry was a three-month infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War.

Service

This regiment was organized at Philadelphia and mustered into federal service on April 29, 1861. This regiment was the outgrowth of a rifle battalion attached to the 1st brigade, 1st division of the Pennsylvania militia.
On May 20 it was ordered to Suffolk Park; on the 28th to Chambersburg, where it became part of Patterson's army. It crossed the Potomac on June 17, but the force soon returned to the Maryland side and encamped. On July 2 the army moved to Martinsburg and thence after a fortnight, to Bunker Hill, Charlestown, and Harper's Ferry. While in Martinsburg the 21st was presented with a beautiful flag by the loyal Union Germans of that city. On August 9, the 21st boarded trains in Martinsburg, and returned to Philadelphia, via Harpers Ferry and Baltimore. The regiment mustered out at Philadelphia that day.

Organizational affiliation

Attached to Brig. Gen. George H. Thomas's 5th Brigade, 1st Division, of Major General Robert Patterson's Army in the Department of Pennsylvania.
Col. Ballier was authorized to recruit another regiment for three years service. This became the 98th Pennsylvania Infantry which included many men of the 21st.

List of battles

The regiment participated in no battles during its service.

Detailed service

  • Left Philadelphia for Chambersburg, PA, May 28
  • Attached to Geo. H. Thomas' Brigade, 1st Division, Patterson's Army, May 28
  • March to Greencastle June 6
  • Cross Potomac and advance on Martinsburg Road June 15
  • At Williamsport June 16–24
  • At Downsville till July 1
  • Falling Waters July 2
  • Occupation of Martinsburg July 3
  • Advance on Bunker Hill July 15
  • Moved to Charlestown July 17, thence to Harper's Ferry
  • Moved by rail to Baltimore to Philadelphia August 9
  • Mustered out August 9, 1861.

Casualties

The regiment suffered no losses during its service.

Regimental staff

  • Colonel John F. Ballier
  • Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Ernenwein
  • Major Adolph Mehler