45th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 45th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the 5th German Rifles, was an infantry regiment organized in New York City and composed primarily of German immigrants. The regiment was mustered into United States service on September 9, 1861, for a three-year term. Serving with the Union Army, the 45th New York participated in numerous campaigns in both the Eastern and Western Theaters of the Civil War and was noted for its heavy engagement at battles such as Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.

This regiment is distinct from any other New York infantry units with different service terms.

Organization & Service

The 45th New York Infantry was organized at New York City and mustered in on September 9, 1861. After a month at Jones’ Wood, the regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on October 9, 1861, and was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 5th Division, encamping at Hunter’s Chapel, Virginia, for the winter. In April 1862, the regiment was transferred to the Mountain Department under General Fremont, arriving at Winchester on April 19 and remaining there until May 1. The regiment participated in the battle of Cross Keys in June 1862 and subsequently retired to Middletown, where many soldiers suffered from illness due to harsh marches and inadequate supplies.

Later in 1862, the 45th was attached to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Corps, Army of Virginia, and was ordered to several locations including Sperryville, Madison Court House, Gordonsville, Cuylersville, Cedar Mountain, and White Sulphur Springs. The regiment fought at the Second Battle of Bull Run and then encamped at Lewinsville from September 3 to 21. It was stationed at Centerville until November 3, at which point its brigade and division became part of the 11th Corps, Army of the Potomac, with postings at Thoroughfare Gap, Aldie, and Chantilly. In December 1862, the regiment arrived at Falmouth as part of General Sigel’s reserves and, following the Battle of Fredericksburg, withdrew to Stafford Court House for winter quarters.

During the Chancellorsville Campaign in May 1863, the 45th New York was heavily engaged, suffering significant casualties. In June, it was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 11th Corps, and marched to Gettysburg, where it participated in the three-day battle with heavy losses. After Gettysburg, the regiment moved west, taking part in the Battle of Wauhatchie, Tennessee, in October, and then moved to Chattanooga, participating in the Rossville campaign and being present at Missionary Ridge in November 1863.

At the start of the Atlanta Campaign in spring 1864, the 45th was assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 20th Corps, and saw action at Resaca, Dallas, and Kennesaw Mountain. In July 1864, the regiment was attached to the Department of the Cumberland at Nashville, where it remained until the end of the war. Non-reenlisted original members were mustered out on October 8, 1864, but the regiment continued as a veteran unit until June 30, 1865, when it was consolidated with the 58th New York Infantry and mustered out at Nashville on October 1, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Cross Keys
• Cedar Mountain
• Second Bull Run
• Fredericksburg (reserve)
• Chancellorsville
• Gettysburg
• Wauhatchie
• Chattanooga
• Missionary Ridge
• Resaca
• Dallas
• Kennesaw Mountain

Casualties

During its service, the 45th New York Infantry lost 53 men killed or mortally wounded in action and 108 men who died from disease or other causes. These figures are based on official reports and regimental records.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel George Von Amsberg
• Colonel Adolphus Dobke
• Lieutenant Colonel Edward C. Wratislaw
• Lieutenant Colonel Adolphus Dobke
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles Koch
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Sprangenburgh
• Major Charles Sempsey
• Major Adolphus Dobke
• Major Charles Koch
• Major Gustavus Korn

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 45th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details valuable for genealogical research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 45th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (Army of the Potomac, Army of Virginia, Army of the Cumberland)
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report
• 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, Vol. 2