107th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 107th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in the state of New York during the American Civil War. Known as the “Campbell Guards,” the regiment was recruited primarily from Chemung, Schuyler, and Steuben counties. It mustered into United States service at Elmira on August 13, 1862, for a three-year term. The 107th New York served in the Union Army, participating in major campaigns in the Eastern and Western Theaters. The regiment was recognized for its efficiency and discipline, and was the first regiment from the North organized under the second call for troops, earning a banner from the state and a visit from President Lincoln.

Organization & Service

The 107th New York Infantry was organized at Elmira, New York, and mustered in for three years’ service on August 13, 1862, under Colonel Robert B. Van Valkenburgh. The regiment left New York for Washington, D.C., on the same day it was mustered in. Initially stationed in the defenses of Washington for about a month, the regiment was then assigned to the 1st Division (Williams), 12th Army Corps (Mansfield), Army of the Potomac.

The regiment saw its first combat at the Battle of Antietam in September 1862, where it suffered significant casualties. After Antietam, the 107th participated in the Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863, again sustaining heavy losses. At Gettysburg in July 1863, the regiment was only slightly engaged. Following Gettysburg, the regiment joined in the pursuit of Confederate forces into Virginia, engaging at Jones’ Cross-Roads and near Williamsport, Maryland.

In September 1863, the 107th New York was ordered with the 12th Corps to Tennessee to reinforce the Army of the Cumberland, serving along the railroad from Murfreesboro to Bridgeport. In April 1864, the 12th Corps was reorganized as the 20th Corps, with Williams’ Division retaining its red star badge. On December 9, 1863, four companies from the 145th New York Infantry were transferred to the 107th. The regiment then participated in the Atlanta Campaign, fighting at Resaca, Cassville, Dallas, New Hope Church, and around Kennesaw Mountain. It also fought at Peachtree Creek and took part in the siege of Atlanta.

In November 1864, the 107th New York joined Sherman’s March to the Sea, and in early 1865 participated in the Carolinas Campaign, engaging at Rockingham, Fayetteville, Averasboro, Bentonville, Raleigh, and Bennett’s House. The regiment was mustered out near Washington, D.C., on June 5, 1865, under Colonel Nirom M. Crane.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defenses of Washington, D.C. (August–September 1862)
• Battle of Antietam (September 1862)
• Battle of Chancellorsville (May 1863)
• Battle of Gettysburg (July 1863)
• Pursuit of Lee, including Jones’ Cross-Roads and near Williamsport, MD (July 1863)
• Railroad duty, Murfreesboro to Bridgeport, TN (late 1863–early 1864)
• Atlanta Campaign: Resaca, Cassville, Dallas, New Hope Church, Kennesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek, Siege of Atlanta (May–September 1864)
• Sherman’s March to the Sea (November–December 1864)
• Carolinas Campaign: Rockingham, Fayetteville, Averasboro, Bentonville, Raleigh, Bennett’s House (early 1865)

Casualties

• Killed or died of wounds: 4 officers, 87 enlisted men
• Died of disease, accidents, in prison, etc.: 131 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 222

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Robert B. Van Valkenburgh
• Colonel Alexander S. Diven
• Colonel Nirom M. Crane
• Lieutenant Colonel Alexander S. Diven
• Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel L. Smith
• Lieutenant Colonel Newton T. Colby
• Lieutenant Colonel William F. Fox
• Lieutenant Colonel Lathrop Baldwin
• Lieutenant Colonel Allen S. Sill
• Major Gabriel L. Smith
• Major Newton T. Colby
• Major William F. Fox
• Major Lathrop Baldwin
• Major Allen S. Sill
• Major Charles J. Fox

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 107th 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 107th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 19, 25, 28, 39, 44
• 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