80th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 80th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the “Ulster Guard,” served in the Union Army during the American Civil War as an infantry regiment. Organized primarily from Ulster County, New York, the regiment was mustered into United States service at Kingston between September 20 and October 20, 1861, for a three-year term. The 80th New York was formed by the reorganization of the 20th New York State Militia upon its return from three months’ service. The regiment participated in major campaigns of the Army of the Potomac and was recognized for its discipline and combat record.

Organization & Service

The 80th New York Infantry was organized at Kingston, New York, and mustered into federal service from September 20 to October 20, 1861. The regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on October 26, 1861, and was initially assigned to Wadsworth’s Brigade, McDowell’s Division. During its first winter, the regiment performed picket duty along the Potomac River near Upton’s Hill, Virginia.

In March 1862, the 80th was attached to the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 1st Corps, Army of the Potomac. By May, it was reassigned to the 2nd Brigade of the same division in the Department of the Rappahannock, and in June, to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 3rd Corps. The regiment participated in General Pope’s Virginia Campaign, suffering heavy losses at the Second Battle of Bull Run, where Colonel George W. Pratt was mortally wounded.

Following actions at South Mountain and Antietam, the regiment encamped at Sharpsburg before marching through Crampton’s Gap, Leesburg, Warrenton, and Stafford Court House to Fredericksburg, where it was engaged in battle. The 80th New York spent the winter near Hall’s Landing and, in January 1863, was assigned to the provost guard brigade at Brooks’ Station, serving at army headquarters through the Battle of Chancellorsville.

In June 1863, the regiment joined the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 1st Corps, and fought at Gettysburg, where it sustained significant casualties. After Gettysburg, the 80th resumed provost guard duties at army headquarters, continuing in this capacity through the end of the Petersburg siege and participating in the final assault on April 2, 1865. The regiment was stationed at Richmond from April to November 1865, then at Norfolk, Virginia, until mustered out on January 29, 1866.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Picket duty along the Potomac (1861–1862)
• Pope’s Virginia Campaign (including Second Bull Run)
• South Mountain
• Antietam
• Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville (provost guard duty during battle)
• Gettysburg
• Siege of Petersburg
• Final Assault on Petersburg (April 2, 1865)
• Occupation duty at Richmond and Norfolk (1865–1866)

Casualties

• Total enrollment: 2,103
• Died of wounds: 128
• Died from accident, imprisonment, or disease: 156

Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources regarding breakdowns by battle or additional losses.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Jacob B. Hardenbergh
• Colonel George W. Pratt
• Colonel Theodore B. Gates
• Lieutenant Colonel John McEntee
• Lieutenant Colonel Theodore B. Gates
• Lieutenant Colonel Jacob B. Hardenbergh
• Major John R. Leslie
• Major Jacob B. Hardenbergh
• Major Walter A. Van Rensselaer

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 80th 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 as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 80th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 5, 9, 12, 19, 21, 27, 36, 40, 46
• 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, Vol. 2