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The 34th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment

The 34th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was organized at Camp John E. Wool, in Worcester in the summer of 1862. Its members represented all parts of the State and some of the companies recruited were in the five western counties of Massachusetts.

The men were mustered in on various dates, but mostly on July 31,1862.
George D. Wells of Boston, Lieutenant Colonel of the 1st Massachusetts Regiment was made Colonel. On August 15, the regiment left Camp Wool for the seat of war, reaching Hunter's Chapel near Arlington, VA on the 18th. On August 22, it proceeded to Alexandria and then to Cloud's Mills. It wintered at Fort Ellsworth, Fort Lyon and Upton's Hill. Not until July 9, 1863, was it ordered away from the defenses of Washington.

The 34th had gained in Washington a high reputation for the neatness, quiet, and tasteful arrangement of its quarters, its soldierly bearing and discipline, its proficiency in drill and the excellence of its band.

On July 9, 1863, the 34th was sent to Harper's Ferry, where it occupied a position near Fort Duncan.

On July 15 it crossed the Potomac, took possession of Harper's Ferry, and established itself on Camp Hill.

The 34th Mass Infantry spent most of its time under various commands in the Shenandoah Valley. By the spring of 1864, the 34th was attached to Siegel's command, as part of Thoburn's Brigade, Sullivan's Division, Department of the Shenandoah.

On August 7, 1864, General Philip Sheridan took command in the Valley and the 34th became a part of Wells' lst Brigade, Thoburn's lst Division, Crook's 8th Corps, Army of the Shenandoah, and as such participated in Sheridan's Valley campaign.

When General Thoburn was killed at Cedar Creek, his division, now commanded by General Turner, was sent to the Army of the James and attached to the 24th Corps, commanded by General John Gibbon. Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Potter of the 34th now commanded the brigade. The 34th remained attached to the 24th Corps until June 15, 1865, when it was mustered out and was sent home. Assembling for the last time at Readville, MA., the members of the regiment were paid off and discharged.