30th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 30th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment from New York that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Troy, New York, the regiment was mustered into United States service for a two-year term on June 1, 1861. The unit drew its companies from Saratoga Springs, Troy, Lansingburg, Schenectady, Poughkeepsie, Hoosick, Valatie, and Saratoga County. The 30th New York served primarily in the Eastern Theater and was attached to notable commands, including the Iron Brigade and the Army of the Potomac.

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

Organization & Service

The 30th New York Infantry was organized at Troy, New York, and mustered into service for two years on June 1, 1861. The regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on June 28, 1861, and was initially stationed at Brightwood and Hunter’s Chapel. During the winter of 1861-1862, the regiment established quarters at Upton’s Hill.

On March 10, 1862, the 30th New York left camp as part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 1st Corps, Army of the Potomac (the Iron Brigade), marching to Manassas and then to Falmouth, Massaponax, and Front Royal. The regiment returned to Falmouth and participated in reconnoitering expeditions to Orange Court House and Hanover Court House, engaging in skirmishes at both locations.

Later, as part of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 3rd Corps, Army of Virginia, the regiment fought at White Sulphur Springs, Gainesville, Groveton, and the Second Battle of Bull Run, where it suffered significant casualties. After a brief period at Upton’s Hill, the regiment moved into Maryland and was engaged at South Mountain and Antietam. Following Antietam, the regiment camped at Sharpsburg and received reinforcements.

On October 30, 1862, the 30th New York moved to Warrenton, then to Brooks’ Station near Falmouth, and participated in the Battle of Fredericksburg. The regiment established winter quarters at Belle Plain, where a new Company F was added in December 1862, consolidating the old Company F with other companies. The regiment was present during the Chancellorsville Campaign and returned briefly to Belle Plain before departing for Albany on May 28, 1863. The regiment was mustered out at Albany on June 18, 1863. Three-year men were transferred to the 76th New York Infantry on May 24, 1863.

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

  • Manassas (March 1862)
  • Falmouth, Massaponax, Front Royal (Spring 1862)
  • Orange Court House (Reconnaissance and skirmish)
  • Hanover Court House (Reconnaissance and skirmish)
  • White Sulphur Springs
  • Gainesville
  • Groveton
  • Second Battle of Bull Run
  • South Mountain
  • Antietam
  • Fredericksburg
  • Chancellorsville Campaign

Casualties

The total enrollment of the 30th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was 1,154 men. During its service, the regiment lost 78 men killed or mortally wounded in action, and 33 died from other causes. At the Second Battle of Bull Run, the regiment lost 66 killed or mortally wounded out of 341 engaged. The total loss in that campaign was 183 killed, wounded, or missing. If further breakdowns are available in official reports, they are not included here.

Field Officers & Commanders

  • Colonel Edward Frisby
  • Colonel William M. Searing
  • Lieutenant Colonel Charles E. Brintnall
  • Lieutenant Colonel William M. Searing
  • Lieutenant Colonel Morgan H. Chrysler
  • Major William M. Searing
  • Major Morgan H. Chrysler
  • Major Albert J. Perry

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 30th 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 service details where available.

To view the complete roster, visit the 30th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

  • Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XII, XIX, XXI
  • 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
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