120th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 120th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the “Ulster Regiment” or “Washington Guards,” was an infantry regiment organized at Kingston, New York. It was mustered into United States service on August 22, 1862, for a term of three years. The regiment was primarily recruited from Greene and Ulster counties and served with the Union Army in the Eastern Theater throughout the Civil War.

The 120th New York was noted for its discipline and gallantry in action, being recognized by Col. Fox as one of the “three hundred fighting regiments.” It participated in numerous major engagements, including Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and the final campaigns leading to the surrender at Appomattox.

Organization & Service

The 120th New York Infantry was organized at Kingston, New York, and mustered in on August 22, 1862. The regiment left the state with approximately 900 men on August 24, 1862, and moved to Washington, D.C., where it encamped near Chain Bridge. In early September 1862, it was attached to the Excelsior Brigade (Sickles’), 2nd Division, 3rd Corps, Army of the Potomac.

The regiment saw its first combat at Fredericksburg in December 1862. It was actively engaged at Chancellorsville in May 1863 as part of Berry’s Division, suffering significant casualties. At Gettysburg in July 1863, now in Humphrey’s Division, the regiment was heavily engaged on the second day, sustaining severe losses. Following the consolidation of the 3rd Corps into the 2nd Corps, the 120th was assigned to Brewster’s Brigade, Mott’s Division, and later to Birney’s (3rd) Division as the 4th Brigade. The regiment continued to serve in the 2nd Corps for the remainder of the war, participating in the Overland Campaign, the Siege of Petersburg, and the Appomattox Campaign.

Throughout its service, the 120th New York received reinforcements from the veterans and recruits of the 71st and 72nd New York in 1864. The regiment was mustered out near Washington, D.C., under Lieutenant Colonel Abram L. Lockwood on June 3, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville
• Gettysburg
• Wapping Heights
• Kelly’s Ford
• Mine Run
• Po River
• Spottsylvania
• North Anna
• Totopotomy
• Cold Harbor
• Petersburg (Siege)
• Deep Bottom
• Strawberry Plains
• Poplar Spring Church
• Boydton Plank Road
• Hatcher’s Run
• White Oak Road
• Sailor’s Creek
• Farmville
• Appomattox

Casualties

• Total enrollment: 1,626
• Killed or mortally wounded: 11 officers, 140 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 3 officers, 179 enlisted men
• Died in Confederate prisons: 51

Casualty figures are based on official reports and regimental histories.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel George H. Sharpe
• Lieutenant Colonel Cornelius D. Westbrook
• Lieutenant Colonel John R. Tappan
• Lieutenant Colonel Abram L. Lockwood
• Major John R. Tappan
• Major Abram L. Lockwood
• Major Walter F. Scott

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 120th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster includes details on enlistment, rank, and service record where available.

To view the full roster, visit the 120th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes
• New York State Adjutant General’s Reports
• 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