The REAL Story of the 5th Ohio
The 5th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized at Camp Harrison, Ohio on April 20, 1861. Three days after President Lincoln issued his proclamation for 75,000 troops for three months service. The Regiment was made up mainly of men from Cincinnati and surrounding areas. The Regiment was sent to Camp Dennison, Ohio on April 23, 1861 to be equipped and mustered into service for the Union. Before the men were equipped, the President called for 300,000 soldiers for three years service.
The 5th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized at Camp Harrison, Ohio on April 20, 1861. Three days after President Lincoln issued his proclamation for 75,000 troops for three months service. The Regiment was made up mainly of men from Cincinnati and surrounding areas. The Regiment was sent to Camp Dennison, Ohio on April 23, 1861 to be equipped and mustered into service for the Union. Before the men were equipped, the President called for 300,000 soldiers for three years service.
Sgt. Harry Surls, Company H
5th Regiment, Ohio Volunteers Members of the 5th at a GAR Reunion
in Columbus in the 1880's. |
The Regiment responded immediately to Lincoln’s call as nearly the entire membership signified willingness to enter the new organization. Those who did not enlist for three years were mustered out on expiration of their terms. The recruiting station for Company "H" was located at the Public Landing in Cincinnati and those who joined this company were mostly cooks, stewards, cabin boys, and stevedores from the steamboats in the area.
Although perhaps difficult to control, they were a brave lot of fierce fighting men. When the 84th Pennsylvania fell back in confusion during the battle at Kernstown, General Sullivan lamented that the army was whipped but on looking again, realized that the 5th Ohio was still fighting. He exclaimed "No, thank God; the brave 5th Ohio is still standing its ground and holding the rebels!". The tide was turned and victory won. The Regimental colors had been pierced by forty enemy bullets; the state flag by ten. On November 14, 1863, the 5th Ohio had the honor of opening the "battle above the clouds" on Lookout Mountain, under Fighting Joe Hooker. The 5th Ohio Regiment took part in twenty-eight engagements, the principal of which were: Kernstown, Winchester, Port Republic, McDowell, Cedar Mountain, Dumfries, South Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Lookout Mountain, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek, Atlanta, and Savannah. During its term of service, the 5th Ohio traveled 1,375 miles on foot and only 93 by rail. They suffered the loss of 500 men killed, wounded, or taken prisoner. To find out more about the REAL 5th OVI and other Ohio units that served in the Civil War, visit Ohio In The Civil War |