84th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 84th New York Infantry (also known as the 14th Brooklyn or 14th New York State Militia) was an infantry regiment organized in Brooklyn, New York, for three years’ service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Mustered into federal service between May and August 1861, the regiment was primarily composed of volunteers from Brooklyn and was known for its distinctive uniform and reputation for discipline and gallantry. The 84th New York served in the Eastern Theater, participating in many of the war’s major campaigns and battles as part of the Army of the Potomac.

Organization & Service

The 84th New York Infantry was organized in Brooklyn and left New York for Washington, D.C., on May 18, 1861. Companies K and I joined the regiment in July 1861. The regiment was mustered into United States service for a three-year term between May and August 1861. Initially, the 84th served in the defenses of Washington before joining Porter’s brigade and participating in the First Battle of Bull Run, where it suffered significant casualties.

Following Bull Run, the regiment was stationed near Ball’s Cross Roads and Upton’s Hill, Virginia. In March 1862, it was assigned to the 1st Brigade, King’s Division, 1st Corps, and served in northern Virginia during the Peninsula Campaign. The 84th was actively engaged in the Second Battle of Bull Run, incurring further losses. The regiment fought at South Mountain, Antietam, and Fredericksburg as part of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Corps, to which it was attached from September 12, 1862.

After wintering near Falmouth, Virginia, the regiment participated in the Chancellorsville Campaign in May 1863. At Gettysburg, the 84th served with the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Corps, and was noted for its gallantry, suffering heavy casualties. The regiment continued with the Army of the Potomac through the Mine Run Campaign and spent the winter near Culpeper. At the start of the Overland Campaign in May 1864, the 84th was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, 5th Corps. The regiment’s term of service expired on May 21, 1864, and it was mustered out at New York City on June 14, 1864. Veterans and recruits were transferred to the 5th New York Veteran Infantry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defenses of Washington, D.C. (1861)
• First Battle of Bull Run
• Ball’s Cross Roads and Upton’s Hill
• Northern Virginia operations (Spring–Summer 1862)
• Second Battle of Bull Run
• South Mountain
• Antietam
• Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville
• Gettysburg
• Mine Run Campaign
• Wilderness Campaign (until May 21, 1864)

Casualties

• Total enrollment: 1,365
• Died of wounds: 153
• Died of disease and other causes: 74
• Total deaths: 227

Casualty figures are based on official regimental and state reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Alfred M. Wood
• Colonel Edward B. Fowler
• Lieutenant Colonel Edward B. Fowler
• Lieutenant Colonel William H. DeBevoice
• Lieutenant Colonel Robert B. Jourdan
• Major James Jourdan
• Major William H. DeBevoice
• Major Charles F. Baldwin
• Major Robert B. Jourdan
• Major Henry T. Head

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 84th New York Infantry, including officers and enlisted men who served during its three years’ service, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.

To view the complete roster, visit the 84th New York Infantry Regimental Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (Army of the Potomac, 1861–1864)
• 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, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Vol. 2