78th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 78th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the 78th Highlanders, served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment was principally composed of men from New York City, Utica, Buffalo, Bath, China, Rochester, Suspension Bridge, and included one company from Michigan. It was mustered into United States service at New York City between October 1, 1861, and April 12, 1862, for a three-year term. The 78th New York Infantry participated in major campaigns in both the Eastern and Western Theaters and was noted for its involvement in several significant battles.

Organization & Service

The 78th New York Infantry was organized at New York City and mustered into service from October 1, 1861, to April 12, 1862. After mustering, the regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on April 29, 1862, and encamped briefly before being ordered to Harper’s Ferry on May 25. At Harper’s Ferry, the regiment was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, Sigel’s Division, Department of the Shenandoah. On June 26, 1862, it became part of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 2nd Corps, Army of Virginia.

The 78th New York saw its first significant action at the Battle of Cedar Mountain, sustaining losses. It subsequently fought at Antietam, then moved to Hillsboro and Ripon, Virginia. On September 12, 1862, the regiment was assigned to the 12th Corps, maintaining its brigade and division attachments, and spent the winter in camp. In May 1863, the regiment participated in the Battle of Chancellorsville, suffering heavy casualties. The 78th was engaged at Gettysburg in July 1863 and, after the campaign, was ordered to Tennessee, arriving at Bridgeport, Alabama, on October 1. The regiment fought at Wauhatchie, Tennessee, and took part in the Chattanooga campaign, wintering in that region.

In May 1864, the 78th New York, now part of the 20th Corps, joined General Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign, participating in actions at Mill Creek Gap, Resaca, Dallas, and the battles around Kennesaw Mountain. Due to depleted numbers, the regiment was transferred to the 102nd New York Infantry on July 12, 1864, with which it completed its service term.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Cedar Mountain
• Antietam
• Chancellorsville
• Gettysburg
• Wauhatchie
• Chattanooga Campaign
• Mill Creek Gap
• Resaca
• Dallas
• Kennesaw Mountain

Casualties

During its service, the 78th New York Infantry lost 58 men by death from wounds and 75 from other causes. Total losses were 133. If casualty figures vary in other sources, these numbers are based on the regimental summary from “The Union Army” and official reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Daniel Ullman
• Colonel Herbert Hammerstein
• Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Austin
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry C. Blanchard
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry R. Stagg
• Lieutenant Colonel Herbert Hammerstein
• Lieutenant Colonel William Chalmers
• Major Henry C. Blanchard
• Major Henry R. Stagg
• Major William H. Randall

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 78th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and other service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 78th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

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