64th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 64th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment from New York that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized primarily in the southwestern counties of New York, it was mustered into service at Elmira in December 1861. The regiment was known as the “Cattaraugus Regiment” and drew recruits from towns including Gowanda, Randolph, Otto, Rushford, Ithaca, Little Valley, Wellsville, Owego, Olean, and Leon. The 64th New York served in the Eastern Theater, participating in many of the major campaigns and battles of the Army of the Potomac.

Organization & Service

The 64th New York Infantry was organized at Elmira, New York, and mustered into United States service in December 1861 for a three-year term. The regiment left New York for Washington, D.C., on December 10, 1861, and was initially quartered near the Capitol. In January 1862, it was assigned to the provisional brigade of Casey’s Division. On March 13, 1862, the regiment became part of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 2nd Corps, Army of the Potomac.

The 64th New York participated in the Peninsula Campaign, being present at the siege of Yorktown and seeing its first major combat at the Battle of Fair Oaks, where it suffered heavy casualties. The regiment was engaged in the Seven Days’ Battles and then encamped at Harrison’s Landing. It arrived too late to participate in the Second Battle of Manassas but fought prominently at Antietam, where General Richardson was killed and General Hancock assumed command of the division. The regiment took part in the assault on Marye’s Heights at Fredericksburg, suffering significant losses, and subsequently camped near Falmouth.

At Chancellorsville in May 1863, the regiment was placed on the skirmish line under Colonel Nelson A. Miles and participated in the defense that earned commendation. The 64th moved to Gettysburg in June 1863, where it fought in the Wheatfield and helped defend against Pickett’s Charge, incurring heavy losses. The regiment was also engaged at Auburn and Bristoe Station in October 1863, and participated in the Mine Run Campaign before wintering near Brandy Station.

During the winter of 1863–64, enough men reenlisted to continue the regiment as a veteran organization. In the autumn of 1864, original members not reenlisted were mustered out, and the regiment was consolidated into a battalion of six companies. The 64th New York continued to serve through the Wilderness Campaign, the siege of Petersburg, and the Appomattox Campaign, losing additional men at Farmville. The regiment was mustered out at Washington, D.C., on July 14, 1865.

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 (May 1–5, 1863)
• Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863)
• Auburn and Bristoe Station (October 1863)
• Mine Run Campaign (November–December 1863)
• Wilderness Campaign (May 1864)
• Siege of Petersburg (June 1864–April 1865)
• Appomattox Campaign (March–April 1865)
• Farmville (April 1865)

Casualties

Out of a total enrollment of 1,313 men, the 64th New York Infantry lost 182 by death from wounds and 129 from other causes during its service. These figures include those killed or mortally wounded in action and those who died of disease or other non-combat causes. The regiment suffered particularly heavy losses at Fair Oaks, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Thomas J. Parker
• Colonel Daniel C. Bingham
• Colonel Leman W. Bradley
• Colonel William Glenny
• Lieutenant Colonel Daniel G. Bingham
• Lieutenant Colonel Enos C. Brooks
• Lieutenant Colonel Leman W. Bradley
• Lieutenant Colonel William Glenny
• Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Tyrer
• Major Enos C. Brooks
• Major Leman W. Bradley
• Major William Glenny
• Major Lewis H. Fassett
• Major Horatio N. Hunt
• Major Theodore Tyrer
• Major Albert F. Peterson

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 64th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.

To view the complete roster, visit the 64th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 6, 11, 19, 21, 25, 27, 29, 36, 40, 46 (reports and correspondence relating to the 64th New York Infantry)
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Reports for 1861–1865 (rosters and regimental summaries)
• Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion (1908)
• Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War (1889)
• The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 2