89th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 89th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the Dickinson Guard, was an infantry regiment organized in New York and mustered into United States service at Elmira from December 4 to 6, 1861. The regiment served on the Union side throughout the Civil War, participating in operations across the Eastern and Southern theaters. Its companies were recruited from various towns including Havana, Binghamton, Mount Morris, Rochester, Norwich, Oxford, Whitney’s Point, Delhi, and Corbettsville.

The 89th New York Infantry was notable for its participation in major campaigns and battles, including Antietam, Fredericksburg, the siege of Suffolk, operations in Charleston harbor, the Bermuda Hundred campaign, the siege of Petersburg, and the final pursuit to Appomattox. The regiment was mustered out at Richmond, Virginia, on August 3, 1865.

Organization & Service

The 89th New York Infantry was organized at Elmira, New York, and mustered into service for three years between December 4 and 6, 1861. Shortly after organization, the regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on December 6, 1861, where it was stationed in the defenses of the capital as part of a provisional brigade in Casey’s division.

In January 1862, the regiment joined Burnside’s expeditionary corps and embarked for Roanoke, North Carolina. After several months in North Carolina, the regiment returned in July 1862 and was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 9th Corps, participating in the Maryland campaign. The 89th New York was engaged at South Mountain and suffered significant losses at Antietam.

Following Antietam, the regiment fought at Fredericksburg and spent the winter near Falmouth, Virginia. In April 1863, it was transferred to the Department of Virginia at Suffolk, joining Alford’s Brigade, Getty’s Division, 7th Corps, and was active during the siege of Suffolk. The regiment remained in that area until July 1863, when it was transferred to the 18th Corps and then to the 10th Corps, serving in North Carolina and later at Folly Island, South Carolina, during the siege of Fort Wagner and subsequent operations in Charleston harbor.

Early in 1864, the regiment returned to Virginia. Many men reenlisted, and the veteran regiment became part of the 10th Corps, participating in actions at Swift Creek, Proctor’s Creek, Drewry’s Bluff, and Bermuda Hundred in May 1864. At the end of May, the 89th was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 18th Corps, serving there until December. The regiment sustained heavy casualties during the initial assault on Petersburg, where Lieutenant Colonel Theophilus L. England was killed, and again at Fair Oaks in October 1864.

In December 1864, the regiment was transferred to the 2nd Division, 24th Corps, remaining with this command through the end of the war. The 89th New York participated in the final assault on Petersburg and the pursuit of Lee’s army to Appomattox. Major Frank W. Tremain was mortally wounded during the assault on Petersburg on April 2, 1865. The regiment was mustered out at Richmond, Virginia, on August 3, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defenses of Washington, D.C. (Winter 1861–1862)
• Burnside’s North Carolina Expedition (Roanoke, early 1862)
• Maryland Campaign (South Mountain, Antietam, September 1862)
• Fredericksburg (December 1862)
• Siege of Suffolk (Spring 1863)
• Operations in North Carolina and South Carolina (Folly Island, siege of Fort Wagner, Charleston harbor, 1863)
• Bermuda Hundred Campaign (May 1864: Swift Creek, Proctor’s Creek, Drewry’s Bluff, Bermuda Hundred)
• Siege of Petersburg (June 1864–April 1865)
• Battle of Fair Oaks (October 1864)
• Final Assault on Petersburg (April 2, 1865)
• Pursuit to Appomattox (April 1865)

Casualties

According to official records, the 89th New York Infantry lost 107 men by death from wounds and 159 from other causes during its term of service. The regiment suffered significant losses at Antietam, Petersburg, and Fair Oaks. Total losses are based on compiled reports; figures may vary slightly among sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Harrison S. Fairchild
• Lieutenant Colonel Jacob C. Robie
• Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Coryell
• Lieutenant Colonel Theophilus L. England (killed at Petersburg)
• Lieutenant Colonel Wellington M. Lewis
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry C. Roome
• Major Daniel T. Everts
• Major Wellington M. Lewis
• Major Henry C. Roome
• Major Frank W. Tremain (mortally wounded April 2, 1865)
• Major Jeremiah Remington

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 89th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster includes details on company assignments, ranks, and service records.

To view the full roster, visit the 89th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 9, 19, 27, 36, 40, 46
• 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, Volume 2