3rd Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia
| 3rd Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| 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 |
The 3rd Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia was a peace-time 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.
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. The regiment was again activated in September 1862 for a term of nine months. The 3rd Massachusetts was stationed in New Bern, North Carolina, participated in several expeditions and saw minor combat including the Battle of Goldsboro Bridge and the Siege of Little Washington.
Other units dating back to the 18th century were given the designation 3rd Regiment Massachusetts Militia. Such regiments were organized and disbanded several times. These included a regiment that was organized in 1775, served during the Revolutionary War, and fought at the Battle of Saratoga among other engagements. During the reorganization of the Massachusetts militia in 1840, the 3rd Massachusetts was designated as part of the Second Brigade of the First Division of the Volunteer Corps of Massachusetts Militia.
In 1858, Colonel David W. Wardrop of New Bedford, Massachusetts was appointed to command the 3rd Massachusetts. Wardrop had trained with the Massachusetts militia for much of his life, first with the Boston Fusiliers and later with the City Guards of New Bedford. Although not a career soldier, he was respected for his knowledge of military tactics. Wardrop commanded the unit during its first term of service in the field during the Civil War.
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