History

Recruited in Cambria, Somerset, Dauphin, Northampton, and Lehigh counties in Pennsylvania, the 54th PVI consolidated at Camp Curtin in Harrisburg during August and September of 1861. Col. Jacob M. Campbell was commissioned to lead the regiment and Lt. Col. Barnabas M'Dermitt was chosen as the second in command.

The regiment was assigned to guard a portion of the B&O Railroad between Martinsburg, VA and Cumberland, MD. The regiment maintained its assignment until January of 1863 when it was assigned to the 8th Corps, Dept of Western Virginia, with Col. Campbell commanding the Brigade. The regiment saw limited action in 1863 before Gen. Franz Sigel took command of the Department and went on the offensive in the Shenendoah valley. By the end of the war Col. Campbell was Breveted to the rank of Brigadier General. The Regiment was mustered out of service on July 15, 1865 in Harrisburg.

Battle honors include:

New Market, Piedmont, Lynchburg, Snicker's Gap, 3rd Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Hatcher's Run, Fall of Petersburg, and High Bridge.

The regiments loses over their service was: 5 officers and 108 men killed

2 officers and 137 men lost to disease and wounds

The veterans of the 54th returned to New Market and placed the only statue in Virginia dedicated to union troops. (Statue is pictured at the right)

Click Here to read Col. Campbell's report after the Battle of New Market

In 1992 a group of civil war enthusiast started the 54th PVI Co. A, to portray the soldiers from their hometown of Johnstown, PA. Since then the unit has participated in events in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Ohio. Events include the 145th anniversary events of New Market, Cedar Creek, Gettysburg, and Chancelorsville.

In 2000 the reenactors along with the Sons of Union Veterans organization in Johnstown, put together funds to put a statue up commemorating the units accomplishments in Central Park. The unit also does a ceremony at the statue in New Market, Virginia.

The group does local programs for schools as well as the community throughout the summer and fall to educate the importance of Johnstown during the American Civil War.

In 2005 the 54th became a charter member of the Tri-State Reenactors Association. In 2006 the Union portion became known as Birney's Division, under command of Maj. Gen. Ed Kelley. Since then, the unit has become a major participant in Division events throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Ohio.

Company A

Company A was recruited out of Indiana and Cambria Counties in August 1861. The Company was under the command of Captain John Suter (pictured sitting on the right). During the railroad duty the company was stationed on the South Branch Bridge. The company was involved in skirmishes with the infamouse rebel General John Imboden. The company served with distinction throughout the war. On December 15, 1864 CPT Suter was discharged and and 1LT Decker was placed in command. The company was discharged with the rest of the regiment in Harrisburg in July of 1865.

Brother's in Arms

In 2007, the 54th and the 11th PVI Co. C from Blairsville, combined there efforts to supports one another at events throughout the campaign seasons. With that the units decided to combine there leadership structure and take on an idenity that would not favor either of the units, the 55th PVI Co. B was then formed. Each unit maintains its own idenity when seperate. When the units are combined they take on the idenity of the unit that was at that actual battle during the war. For example at New Market they take on the idenity of the 54th and at Gettysburg they take on the 11th's. Since that "merger" the ranks of both units have grown. For those that have an interest in the 11th Co. C, contact SGT Mark Hauser or PVT Ed Smith.

Civilians

The 54th PVI also has civilian side. The ladies and gentleman portray civilians from the 19th Century. They give talks and do programs for the general public to educate people more to the non military side of the war. Programs include a 19th Century Fashion Show, Mourning Presentation, Ladies Tea, and many others. For more information about 19th Century Civilian Reenacting contact the 54th's civilian coordinators Joan Webb and Pamela Fisher.