Overview
The 5th New York Veteran Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was a Union infantry regiment organized in New York during the American Civil War. It was formed as a veteran regiment under Col. Winslow, drawing recruits from the 31st and 37th New York veteran infantry. The unit served primarily in the Eastern Theater and was attached to the Army of the Potomac during its active field service.
This regiment is distinct from the original 5th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service).
Organization & Service
The 5th New York Veteran Infantry was organized in New York City, with authority granted to Col. Winslow to reorganize the 5th for a new three-year term. The regiment was formed as a battalion of four companies, incorporating recruits from the 31st and 37th New York veteran infantry. The unit left New York on October 26, 1863, and was initially assigned to the defenses of Washington, D.C., where it remained until May 31, 1864.
On May 31, 1864, the regiment was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. Over time, the 5th New York Veteran Infantry received additional veterans and recruits from the 12th, 84th, 140th, 185th, and 189th New York regiments. The regiment participated in several major campaigns and battles, including Cold Harbor, Bethesda Church, the Petersburg operations, the Weldon Railroad, Poplar Spring Church, Hatcher’s Run, White Oak Road, the final assault on Petersburg, and the battle of Five Forks. After the conclusion of active operations, the regiment performed routine duties for several weeks. The 5th New York Veteran Infantry was mustered out of service on August 21, 1865, at Hart’s Island, New York Harbor.
Research This Regiment Further
If you’d like to explore this unit’s history in more depth, regimental histories and Civil War reference works offer valuable detail.
Engagements & Campaigns
- Defenses of Washington, D.C. (October 1863 – May 1864)
- Cold Harbor
- Bethesda Church
- Petersburg operations
- Weldon Railroad (August 1864)
- Poplar Spring Church
- Hatcher’s Run
- White Oak Road
- Final assault on Petersburg
- Five Forks
Casualties
- Total strength: 1,138
- Killed or mortally wounded: 99
- Died of disease or other causes: 90
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel Winslow
- Other field officers and key commanders are not fully detailed in available primary sources.
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 5th New York Veteran Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details valuable for genealogical research.
To view the complete roster, visit the 5th New York Veteran Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes covering Army of the Potomac operations, 1863–1865
- New York State Adjutant General’s Reports
- Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
- The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 2