3rd Massachusetts Volunteer Militia Regiment | |
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Active | April 16, 1861–July 23, 1861 and September 23, 1862–June 26, 1863 |
Country | United States of America |
Allegiance | Union |
Branch | Union Army |
Type | Infantry |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | Col. David Wardrop Col. Silas P. Richmond |
Massachusetts U.S. Volunteer Militia Regiments 1861-1865 | ||||
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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]