48th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 48th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), known as the “Continental Guard,” was an infantry regiment organized in Brooklyn, New York, between August 16 and September 14, 1861. The regiment served in the Union Army, primarily in the Department of the South and later in the Army of the James, participating in major campaigns and battles in the Eastern and Southern theaters. Its companies were largely recruited from Brooklyn, with additional men from New York City and Monmouth County, New Jersey.

The 48th New York Infantry gained distinction for its heavy engagement and high casualties in several key actions, including the assaults on Fort Wagner and the battles of Olustee, Cold Harbor, and Fort Fisher. The regiment was recognized for its gallantry and sustained heavy losses, ranking among the highest in total casualties for New York regiments.

Organization & Service

The 48th New York Infantry was mustered into United States service at Brooklyn, New York, from August 16 to September 14, 1861, for a three-year term. The regiment left New York for Washington, D.C., on September 16, 1861, and was attached to the 1st Brigade of General Sherman’s force. In late October 1861, the regiment embarked for Port Royal, South Carolina, and participated in the capture of the fortifications at Port Royal Ferry on January 1, 1862.

During the spring of 1862, the 48th New York played a prominent role in the siege and capture of Fort Pulaski, Georgia, after which it was assigned to garrison duty at the fort. The regiment also took part in expeditions to Bluffton, Cranston’s Bluff, and Mackay’s Point in September and October 1862. In June 1863, except for Companies G and I, the regiment moved to Hilton Head, South Carolina, and was attached to Strong’s Brigade, 10th Corps. It participated in the operations against Fort Wagner in July 1863, suffering severe losses in the assault of July 18, including the wounding of Colonel Barton and the death of Lieutenant Colonel Green.

Following the Fort Wagner operations, the regiment joined the Florida expedition in August 1863 and was stationed at St. Augustine before fighting at the Battle of Olustee in February 1864, where it again sustained significant casualties. The regiment then moved to Jacksonville and Palatka, Florida, before being transferred to the Army of the James at Bermuda Hundred, Virginia, in April 1864. It was successively attached to the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 10th Corps; the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 18th Corps; and again to the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 10th Corps.

The 48th New York participated in the battles of Port Walthall Junction, Cold Harbor, the initial assault on Petersburg, the Battle of the Crater, Strawberry Plains, and Fort Harrison. Non-reenlisted members were mustered out in New York City on September 24, 1864, while 350 reenlisted men continued service. In December 1864, the regiment joined the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 24th Corps, and took part in the assault and capture of Fort Fisher, North Carolina, in January 1865. The regiment remained on duty in North Carolina, attached to various commands, until it was mustered out near Raleigh on September 1, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Capture of Port Royal Ferry (January 1, 1862)
• Siege and capture of Fort Pulaski, Georgia (April 1862)
• Expeditions to Bluffton, Cranston’s Bluff, Mackay’s Point (September–October 1862)
• Operations against Fort Wagner, South Carolina (July 1863)
• Florida Expedition and Battle of Olustee (February 1864)
• Operations at Jacksonville and Palatka, Florida (March–April 1864)
• Port Walthall Junction, Virginia (May 1864)
• Cold Harbor (June 1864)
• First assault on Petersburg (June 1864)
• Battle of the Crater (July 1864)
• Strawberry Plains (August 1864)
• Fort Harrison (September 1864)
• Assault and capture of Fort Fisher, North Carolina (January 1865)
• Operations in vicinity of Raleigh, North Carolina (Spring–Summer 1865)

Casualties

During its service, the 48th New York Infantry enrolled 2,173 men. Of these, 236 were killed or mortally wounded in action, a loss exceeded among New York regiments only by the 69th and 40th. The regiment ranked 17th among all Union regiments in total loss. In its various battles, 868 men were reported killed, wounded, or missing. Detailed breakdowns by cause of death are not fully available in primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel James H. Perry
• Colonel William B. Barton
• Colonel William B. Coan
• Lieutenant Colonel William B. Barton
• Lieutenant Colonel Oliver F. Beard
• Lieutenant Colonel James F. Green
• Lieutenant Colonel Dudley W. Strickland
• Lieutenant Colonel William B. Coan
• Lieutenant Colonel Nere A. Elfwing
• Major Oliver F. Beard
• Major James F. Greene
• Major Dudley W. Strickland
• Major William B. Coan
• Major Samuel M. Swartwout
• Major Nere A. Elfwing
• Major Albert F. Miller
• Major James A. Barrett

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 48th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details for those who served in the regiment during its term of service.

To view the complete roster, visit the 48th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (Department of the South, Army of the James, operations in Georgia, Florida, Virginia, and North Carolina)
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Reports for 1861–1865
• 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