16th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 16th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in New York for Union service during the American Civil War. Known as the 1st Northern New York regiment, it was primarily recruited from St. Lawrence and Clinton counties, with one company from Franklin county. The regiment was mustered into United States service at Albany on May 15, 1861, for a two-year term. It served in the Eastern Theater, participating in several major campaigns and engagements with the Army of the Potomac.

This unit is distinct from any later formations or service terms under the same regimental number.

Organization & Service

The 16th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was organized at Albany and mustered in on May 15, 1861. After initial training near Bethlehem, the regiment departed New York for Washington, D.C., on June 26, 1861. It was first attached to the 2nd Brigade, 5th Division, Army of Northeastern Virginia, and moved to Alexandria on July 11. The regiment participated briefly in the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861, before returning to Alexandria.

On September 15, 1861, the regiment was ordered to Fort Lyon and attached to the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Corps, Army of the Potomac. This division was later part of the 6th Corps. The winter of 1861-62 was spent at Camp Franklin near Fairfax Seminary, Virginia. In April 1862, the regiment was ordered to Catlett’s Station but soon returned to camp and was then sent to Yorktown, arriving on May 3. The 16th New York saw action at West Point and suffered significant casualties at Gaines’ Mill, with over 200 killed and wounded. The regiment was present during the remainder of the Seven Days Battles but was not heavily engaged and encamped at Harrison’s Landing until August 16, 1862.

After a brief return to Alexandria, the regiment participated in the Maryland Campaign, leading the advance and sustaining heavy losses at Crampton’s Gap. It was held in reserve at Antietam and performed picket duty at Fredericksburg, later wintering near Falmouth. The regiment endured the hardships of the “Mud March” in January 1863 and took part in the Chancellorsville Campaign, suffering further losses at Salem Church. Following a short period at Banks’ Ford and Falmouth, the regiment was mustered out at Albany on May 22, 1863. Men enlisted for three years were transferred to the 121st New York Infantry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• First Battle of Bull Run (July 1861)
• Siege of Yorktown (April–May 1862)
• Battle of West Point (May 1862)
• Battle of Gaines’ Mill (June 1862)
• Seven Days Battles (June–July 1862)
• Battle of Crampton’s Gap (September 1862)
• Battle of Antietam (September 1862, in reserve)
• Battle of Fredericksburg (December 1862, picket duty)
• “Mud March” (January 1863)
• Chancellorsville Campaign (April–May 1863)
• Battle of Salem Church (May 1863)

Casualties

During its two-year service, the 16th New York Infantry lost 112 men killed or mortally wounded in action and 84 men died from other causes. Total losses during its term amounted to 196 men. If casualty figures differ in other sources, these numbers are based on the regimental history and official reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Thomas A. Davies
• Colonel Joseph Rowland
• Colonel Joel J. Seaver
• Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Marsh
• Lieutenant Colonel Joel J. Seaver
• Lieutenant Colonel Frank Palmer
• Major Buel Palmer
• Major Joel J. Seaver
• Major Frank Palmer
• Major John C. Gilmore

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 16th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional details where recorded.

To view the complete roster, visit the 16th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 2, 5, 9, 11, 19, 21, 25, 27
• New York State Adjutant General’s Reports
• Dyer, Frederick H. Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• The Union Army, Vol. 2, Federal Publishing Company, 1908