97th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 97th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the “Conkling Rifles,” was an infantry regiment organized in Oneida and Herkimer counties, New York. The regiment mustered into United States service at Boonville on February 19, 1862, for a three-year term. Serving in the Union Army, the 97th New York participated in major campaigns and battles in the Eastern Theater of the American Civil War and was noted for its distinguished service and heavy casualties in several engagements.

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

Organization & Service

The 97th New York Infantry was organized at Boonville, New York, and mustered in on February 19, 1862. The regiment left for Washington, D.C., on March 12, 1862, and was initially quartered at Fort Corcoran as part of General Wadsworth’s command. In May 1862, it was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Department of the Rappahannock, and moved into Virginia, occupying various posts near the Rappahannock River.

The regiment saw its first significant action at Cedar Mountain and participated in the Manassas Campaign, where it suffered 111 casualties. On September 12, 1862, after serving with the 3rd Corps, the 97th was assigned to the 1st Corps and fought in the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division at South Mountain and Antietam. At Antietam, the regiment experienced its heaviest losses of the war. It was also engaged at Fredericksburg but was not present at Chancellorsville in May 1863.

The 97th New York marched with the 1st Corps to Gettysburg, where it distinguished itself by capturing the colors of the 20th North Carolina and taking 382 prisoners. The regiment participated in subsequent operations at Bristoe Station and the Mine Run Campaign. While encamped at Brandy Station, a sufficient number of men reenlisted, allowing the regiment to continue as a veteran unit. In May 1863, the 26th New York Infantry was consolidated with the 97th, followed by the addition of veterans and recruits from the 83rd New York in June 1864 and the 94th New York in August 1864.

During the Overland Campaign and subsequent operations, the 97th New York served in the 3rd and 2nd Divisions, 5th Corps, Army of the Potomac. The regiment sustained its heaviest losses at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and near the Weldon Railroad, but also participated in actions at North Anna River, Totopotomoy, Cold Harbor, White Oak Swamp, the Petersburg siege, the Hickford Raid, and the Appomattox Campaign. The regiment was mustered out near Washington, D.C., on July 18, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Cedar Mountain
• Manassas Campaign
• South Mountain
• Antietam
• Fredericksburg
• Gettysburg
• Bristoe Station
• Mine Run Campaign
• Wilderness
• Spotsylvania
• North Anna River
• Totopotomoy
• Cold Harbor
• White Oak Swamp
• Petersburg (Siege)
• Hickford Raid
• Appomattox Campaign

Casualties

During its service, the 97th New York Infantry lost a total of 182 men killed or mortally wounded. An additional 157 died from accident, imprisonment, or disease, including 54 who died in captivity. If casualty figures differ in other sources, these numbers are based on the most authoritative regimental and official reports available.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Charles Wheelock
• Colonel John P. Spofford
• Lieutenant Colonel John P. Spofford
• Lieutenant Colonel Rouse S. Eggleston
• Major Charles Northrup
• Major Rouse S. Eggleston
• Major Delos E. Hall

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 97th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.

To view the complete roster, visit the 97th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes relevant to Army of the Potomac operations (see index for specific pages).
• New York State Adjutant General’s Reports, annual volumes for 1862–1865.
• 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.