87th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 87th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the 13th Brooklyn, was an infantry regiment organized in New York during the American Civil War. The regiment was recruited primarily from Brooklyn, New York City, Williamsburg, and Poughkeepsie. It was mustered into United States service between October and December 1861 for a three-year term, serving in the Union Army’s Eastern Theater.

This unit is distinct from any other New York regiments with similar designations or service terms.

Organization & Service

The 87th New York Infantry was organized in New York and mustered into service from October to December 1861. The regiment departed New York for Washington, D.C., on December 2, 1861. Initially, it was attached to the 3rd Brigade, Casey’s Division, and performed duty in the defenses of Washington until March 1862.

In March 1862, the regiment was reassigned to the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 3rd Corps, Army of the Potomac, and embarked for the Peninsula Campaign. The 87th participated in the siege operations before Yorktown and was present at the Battle of Williamsburg. The regiment suffered its first significant casualties at the Battle of Fair Oaks, with 76 men killed, wounded, or captured. It was also engaged during the Seven Days’ Battles. Following the Peninsula Campaign, the regiment joined General Pope’s Virginia Campaign, where it incurred further losses, particularly during the Second Battle of Bull Run and related actions.

On September 6, 1862, the 87th New York Infantry was consolidated with the 40th New York Infantry. Its remaining members completed their service as part of the 40th New York.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defenses of Washington (Winter 1861–62)
• Peninsula Campaign (Spring–Summer 1862)
• Siege of Yorktown
• Battle of Williamsburg
• Battle of Fair Oaks (Seven Pines)
• Seven Days’ Battles
• Pope’s Virginia Campaign (including Second Bull Run)

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 29
• Died of disease and other causes: 26
• Total deaths: 55

Casualty figures are based on regimental and official reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Stephen A. Dodge
• Lieutenant Colonel Richard A. Bachia
• Major George B. Bosworth

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 87th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details for those who served in the unit.

To view the complete roster, visit the 87th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 11, 12, 13
• 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