124th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 124th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), known as the “Orange Blossoms,” was an infantry regiment organized at Goshen, Orange County, New York. The regiment was mustered into United States service on September 5, 1862, for a three-year term, and served with the Union Army in the Eastern Theater. The unit was primarily composed of men from Orange County and was noted for its distinctive orange ribbon insignia. The 124th New York participated in many of the major campaigns of the Army of the Potomac and earned a reputation for gallantry and steadfastness in battle.

Organization & Service

The 124th New York Infantry was organized at Goshen, New York, and mustered in on September 5, 1862. The regiment was formed largely from returning members of the 71st Regiment, National Guard, following their three months’ service. The unit left New York on September 6, 1862, with approximately 930 men and initially served in Virginia. In November 1862, the regiment joined the Army of the Potomac at Harper’s Ferry and was assigned to the 1st Brigade, Whipple’s (3rd) Division, 3rd Corps. The regiment arrived at Falmouth, Virginia, on November 24, 1862, and was present at the Battle of Fredericksburg, though only lightly engaged.

At Chancellorsville in May 1863, the 124th suffered heavy losses, with 28 killed, 161 wounded, and 15 missing out of 550 engaged. Colonel A. Van Horn Ellis was commended for his leadership during this action. At Gettysburg, the regiment, then part of the 2nd Brigade, Birney’s (1st) Division, 3rd Corps, entered the battle with 290 officers and men, losing 28 killed, 57 wounded, and 5 missing. Both Colonel Ellis and Major James Cromwell were killed at Gettysburg. The regiment continued to serve in subsequent campaigns, including actions at Jones’ Cross Roads, Wapping Heights, Auburn, Kelly’s Ford, and during the Mine Run Campaign.

In April 1864, following the discontinuation of the 3rd Corps, the regiment became part of the 3rd Division, 2nd Corps, retaining its distinctive insignia. The 124th participated in the Overland Campaign, seeing action at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna River, Totopotomoy, Cold Harbor, and the initial assaults on Petersburg. The regiment was also engaged at Deep Bottom, Strawberry Plains, Poplar Spring Church, Boydton Plank Road, the Hicksford Raid, Hatcher’s Run, Fort Stedman, and the final assault on Petersburg. During the Appomattox Campaign, the 124th fought at White Oak Ridge, Deatonsville Road, Farmville, and Appomattox Station. The regiment was mustered out near Washington, D.C., on June 3, 1865, under Colonel Charles H. Weygant.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Fredericksburg (December 1862)
• Chancellorsville (May 1863)
• Gettysburg (July 1863)
• Jones’ Cross Roads
• Wapping Heights
• Auburn
• Kelly’s Ford
• Mine Run Campaign
• The Wilderness (May 1864)
• Spotsylvania (May 1864)
• North Anna River
• Totopotomoy
• Cold Harbor
• Petersburg (June 1864 – April 1865)
• Weldon Railroad
• Deep Bottom
• Strawberry Plains
• Poplar Spring Church
• Boydton Plank Road
• Hicksford Raid
• Hatcher’s Run
• Fort Stedman
• Final Assault on Petersburg
• White Oak Ridge
• Deatonsville Road
• Farmville
• Appomattox Station

Casualties

• Total enrollment: 1,320
• Killed or mortally wounded: 11 officers, 137 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 1 officer, 94 enlisted men
• Died in Confederate prisons: 11 enlisted men
• Total killed and wounded: 516 officers and men

Private Archibald Freeman and Corporal George W. Tomkins were awarded the Medal of Honor for the capture of battle flags at Spotsylvania and near Watkins’ House, respectively.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel A. Van Horn Ellis
• Colonel Francis M. Cummins
• Colonel Charles H. Weygant
• Lieutenant Colonel Francis M. Cummins
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles H. Weygant
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry S. Murray
• Major James Cromwell
• Major Charles H. Weygant
• Major Henry S. Murray
• Major James W. Benedict

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 124th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides details on each member’s rank, company, and service record.

To view the complete roster, visit the 124th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 21, 25, 27, 29, 36, 40, 46
• 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”
• Weygant, Charles H. “History of the 124th Regiment, N.Y.S.V.”
• The Union Army, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)