Richard Woodhouse Johnson (February 27, 1827 – April 21, 1897) was an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War.

Johnson graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1849 and appointed a brevet second lieutenant in the 6th U.S. Infantry.

Johnson secured a branch transfer to the 2nd Cavalry in 1855, where he saw action in expeditions against Comanche and Washita warriors.

The War Department appointed Johnson lieutenant colonel of the 3rd Kentucky Cavalry Regiment and soon after was promoted to brigadier general, United States Volunteers.

Johnson's division performed creditably at all of the major engagements of the campaign until he was severely wounded at the Battle of New Hope Church on May 28, 1864.

Johnson retired from active service on 12 October 1867 as "Major-General (changed to Brig.-General, By Law of March 3, 1875) for disability from wounds received in battle.

Johnson ran for Governor of Minnesota in 1881 as a Democrat, but lost to Republican Lucius Frederick Hubbard; he received about 35% of the vote.