3rd Massachusetts Militia Regiment

3rd Massachusetts Volunteer Militia Regiment
ActiveApril 16, 1861–July 23, 1861

and September 23, 1862–June 26, 1863
Country United States of America
AllegianceUnion
BranchUnion Army
TypeInfantry
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Col. David Wardrop
Col. Silas P. Richmond

The 3rd Massachusetts Volunteer Militia Regiment was a peacetime regiment of infantry that was activated for federal service in the Union Army for two separate tours during the American Civil War. The regiment consisted of companies from Plymouth and Bristol Counties.[1][2]

During their first "90 days" term, the regiment mainly served garrison duty in the vicinity of Fortress Monroe on the Virginia Peninsula. Shortly after arriving in Virginia, they took part in the destruction of the Gosport Navy Yard in Norfolk, Virginia on April 20, 1861.[3] The regiment was again activated in September 1862 for a term of nine months, training at Camp Joe Hooker in Lakeville, Massachusetts.[4][5] The 3rd Massachusetts was stationed in New Bern, North Carolina, participated in several expeditions and saw minor combat including the Battle of Goldsborough Bridge and the Siege of Little Washington.[3]