121st New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 121st New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment recruited primarily from Otsego and Herkimer counties in New York. It was organized at Herkimer and mustered into United States service for three years on August 23, 1862. The regiment served in the Union Army, primarily in the Eastern Theater, and was attached to the 2nd (Bartlett’s) Brigade, 1st (Brooks’) Division, 6th Corps, Army of the Potomac, for its entire term. The 121st New York Infantry became known for its discipline and effectiveness in combat, participating in numerous major campaigns and battles throughout the war.

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

Organization & Service

The 121st New York Infantry was organized at Herkimer, New York, and mustered in for three years’ service on August 23, 1862. Shortly after organization, the regiment departed the state on September 2, 1862, and was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 6th Corps. In May 1863, three-year men from the 18th, 27th, 31st, 16th, and 32nd New York Infantry were transferred into the regiment, increasing its strength.

The regiment joined the Army of the Potomac in Maryland and was present, though not actively engaged, at the Battle of Crampton’s Gap. At Fredericksburg in December 1862, the 121st was exposed to artillery fire and suffered a small number of casualties. The regiment saw severe action at Salem Church, Virginia, in May 1863, where it sustained heavy losses. Throughout its service, the 121st remained with the 6th Corps and participated in major campaigns, including the Gettysburg Campaign (in reserve at Gettysburg), the Rappahannock Station engagement, the Mine Run Campaign, and wintered at Brandy Station in 1863–64.

In the Overland Campaign of 1864, the regiment fought at the Wilderness, Spottsylvania (where it led an assaulting column under Col. Emory Upton), North Anna, Totopotomy, Cold Harbor, and the initial assaults on Petersburg. During Early’s raid on Washington in July 1864, the 121st was engaged at Fort Stevens. The regiment then participated in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign, fighting at Charlestown, Opequon, Fisher’s Hill, and Cedar Creek. In December 1864, it returned to the Petersburg trenches and remained there through the winter. The regiment took part in the final assault on Petersburg on April 2, 1865, and fought its last battle at Sailor’s Creek during the pursuit of Lee’s army. The 121st New York Infantry was mustered out at Hall’s Hill, Virginia, on June 25, 1865, under Col. Egbert Olcott.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Crampton’s Gap (present, not actively engaged)
• Fredericksburg
• Salem Church
• Gettysburg (in reserve)
• Rappahannock Station
• Mine Run Campaign
• The Wilderness
• Spottsylvania
• North Anna
• Totopotomy
• Cold Harbor
• First assaults on Petersburg
• Weldon Railroad
• Fort Stevens
• Charlestown
• Opequon
• Fisher’s Hill
• Cedar Creek
• Final assault on Petersburg
• Sailor’s Creek

Casualties

• Killed and mortally wounded: 14 officers, 212 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 4 officers, 117 enlisted men
• Total killed: 226 (11.9% of total enrollment)
• Total killed and wounded: 839
• Total enrollment: 1,897

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Richard Franchot
• Colonel Emory Upton
• Colonel Egbert Olcott
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles H. Clark
• Lieutenant Colonel Egbert Olcott
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry M. Galpin
• Lieutenant Colonel James W. Cronkhite
• Lieutenant Colonel John S. Kidder
• Major Egbert Olcott
• Major Andrew E. Mather
• Major Henry M. Galpin
• Major James W. Cronkhite
• Major John S. Kidder

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 121st 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 121st New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 19, 21, 25, 27, 29, 33, 36, 39, 40, 43
• 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