57th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 57th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in New York City and mustered into United States service between August 12 and November 19, 1861. The regiment, known as the “National Guard Rifles,” served in the Union Army, primarily in the Eastern Theater as part of the Army of the Potomac. Its companies were drawn from several prewar militia organizations, including the National Guard Rifles, Clinton Rifles, United States Voltigeurs, Washington Zouaves, and Manhattan Rifles.

The 57th New York Infantry participated in many major campaigns and battles, including the Peninsula Campaign, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and Petersburg. The regiment was noted for its heavy losses in several engagements and was ultimately consolidated with the 61st New York Infantry in December 1864.

Organization & Service

The 57th New York Infantry was organized at New York City and mustered into federal service for three years between August 12 and November 19, 1861. Upon completion of organization, the regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on November 19, 1861, and was assigned to French’s Brigade, Sumner’s Division, Army of the Potomac. The regiment spent the winter of 1861–62 in the defenses near Washington.

In March 1862, the 57th was attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 2nd Corps, and participated in the advance to Manassas Junction. The regiment then moved to the Virginia Peninsula, taking part in the siege of Yorktown and being present at the battle of Fair Oaks. It was actively engaged during the Seven Days’ Battles and subsequently moved to Harrison’s Landing.

After the Peninsula Campaign, the regiment marched to support General Pope’s army at Bull Run, arriving shortly before the battle of Chantilly but not actively engaged. At the battle of Antietam in September 1862, the 57th suffered significant casualties. The regiment then moved through Halltown, Snicker’s Gap, and Falmouth, and participated in the assault on Marye’s Heights at Fredericksburg, incurring heavy losses.

The winter of 1862–63 was spent near Falmouth. The regiment was active in the Chancellorsville Campaign in the spring of 1863. At Gettysburg in July 1863, the 57th again sustained losses. The regiment continued to serve with the Army of the Potomac, participating in actions at Auburn, Bristoe Station, and the Mine Run Campaign. Winter quarters were established near Brandy Station until the start of the Overland Campaign in May 1864.

During the Wilderness Campaign, the 57th New York was repeatedly engaged, suffering further casualties at the Wilderness, the assault on Petersburg (June 15, 1864), the Weldon Railroad, and Reams’ Station. Companies mustered out at various times between July and October 1864, with the remaining reenlisted men and recruits transferred to the 61st New York Infantry on December 6, 1864.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Siege of Yorktown (April–May 1862)
• Battle of Fair Oaks (May 31–June 1, 1862)
• Seven Days’ Battles (June 25–July 1, 1862)
• Antietam (September 17, 1862)
• Fredericksburg (December 11–15, 1862)
• Chancellorsville Campaign (April–May 1863)
• Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863)
• Auburn and Bristoe Station (October 1863)
• Mine Run Campaign (November–December 1863)
• Wilderness Campaign (May 1864)
• Assault on Petersburg (June 15, 1864)
• Weldon Railroad (June–August 1864)
• Reams’ Station (August 25, 1864)

Casualties

According to official reports, the 57th New York Infantry lost 103 men killed or mortally wounded in action, and 91 died from disease or other causes during its service. Total deaths: 194. If casualty figures differ in other sources, these numbers are based on the regimental history and State Adjutant General reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Samuel K. Zook
• Colonel Alford B. Chapman
• Colonel James W. Britt
• Lieutenant Colonel John A. Page
• Lieutenant Colonel Philip J. Parisen
• Lieutenant Colonel Augustus M. Wright
• Lieutenant Colonel George W. Jones
• Lieutenant Colonel James C. Bronson
• Major Philip J. Parisen
• Major Alford B. Chapman
• Major N. Garrow Throop
• Major John H. Bell
• Major William A. Kirk
• Major George W. Jones
• Major James C. Bronson
• Major George Mitchell

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 57th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details for those who served in the regiment.

To view the complete roster, visit the 57th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 5, 9, 11, 19, 21, 25, 27, 29, 36, 40
• 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, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)