116th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 116th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Erie County, New York, during the American Civil War. Mustered into United States service at Buffalo between August 20 and September 5, 1862, the regiment served with the Union Army, primarily in the Department of the Gulf and later in the Shenandoah Valley. The 116th New York was noted for its participation in major operations such as the siege of Port Hudson and the Shenandoah Valley Campaigns.

The regiment was initially stationed in Baltimore before joining Banks’ expedition to the Gulf. It served in several key engagements in Louisiana and later transferred to Virginia, where it participated in Sheridan’s campaign. The regiment mustered out at Washington, D.C., on June 8, 1865.

Organization & Service

The 116th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was recruited in Erie County and organized at Buffalo, New York. The regiment mustered into federal service from August 20 to September 5, 1862. Nine companies departed New York immediately, with Company K following later in September. The regiment was first stationed at Baltimore, Maryland, until November 1862.

In November 1862, the 116th New York sailed for Ship Island, Mississippi, as part of Major General Nathaniel P. Banks’ expedition, arriving on December 4. In March 1863, the regiment participated in operations against Port Hudson, Louisiana, serving as a diversion for Admiral Farragut’s fleet. Assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st (Augur’s) Division, 19th Army Corps, the regiment fought at Plains Store, suffering significant casualties and receiving commendation from General Augur.

During the siege of Port Hudson, the 116th New York played a prominent role, particularly in the assaults of May 27 and June 14, 1863, where it incurred heavy losses. Colonel Edward P. Chapin was killed in action on May 27, and Major George M. Love assumed command. The regiment was subsequently engaged at Donaldsonville and Bayou La Fourche, with further losses, and participated in Franklin’s expedition to Sabine Pass, Texas, where 26 men were captured. Additional operations included actions at Centerville, Vermillion Bayou, and Carrion Crow Bayou in Louisiana.

In March 1864, the regiment, now in Dwight’s (1st) Brigade, Emory’s (1st) Division, 19th Corps, joined Banks’ Red River Expedition, fighting at Sabine Cross Roads, Pleasant Hill, Cane River, Alexandria, and Mansura. In July 1864, the 19th Corps was ordered to Virginia, and the regiment participated in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign under General Sheridan, including the battles of Opequon, Fisher’s Hill, New Market, and Cedar Creek. Colonel Love was awarded the Medal of Honor for capturing a Confederate flag at Opequon. The regiment mustered out at Washington, D.C., on June 8, 1865, under Colonel Love.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Operations against Port Hudson, Louisiana (March 1863)
• Battle of Plains Store
• Siege of Port Hudson (May–July 1863), including assaults of May 27 and June 14
• Battle of Donaldsonville
• Bayou La Fourche
• Franklin’s Expedition to Sabine Pass, Texas
• Centerville, Vermillion Bayou, Carrion Crow Bayou (Louisiana)
• Red River Expedition (March–May 1864): Sabine Cross Roads, Pleasant Hill, Cane River, Alexandria, Mansura
• Shenandoah Valley Campaign (1864): Battle of Opequon (Third Winchester), Fisher’s Hill, New Market, Cedar Creek

Casualties

• Killed and mortally wounded: 5 officers, 94 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 2 officers, 124 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 7 officers, 218 enlisted men

Casualty figures are based on official reports and regimental records.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Edward P. Chapin (killed at Port Hudson, May 27, 1863)
• Colonel George M. Love
• Lieutenant Colonel Robert Cottier
• Lieutenant Colonel Albert J. Barnard
• Lieutenant Colonel John Higgins
• Lieutenant Colonel Hohn Mappa Sizer
• Major George M. Love
• Major John Higgins
• Major Hohn Mappa Sizer
• Major George W. Carpenter

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 116th 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 when available.

To view the complete roster, visit the 116th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XV, XXVI, XXXIV, XXXIX
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report
• Dyer, Frederick H. 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