146th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 146th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the 5th Oneida or “Garrard’s Tigers,” was an infantry regiment organized in Rome, Oneida County, New York. It was mustered into United States service for three years on October 10, 1862, and served with the Union Army in the Eastern Theater throughout the Civil War. The regiment was noted for its discipline, distinctive Zouave uniform, and association with regular army units.

The 146th New York participated in many of the Army of the Potomac’s major campaigns and battles, earning recognition for its performance and suffering significant casualties in several engagements. The regiment was mustered out near Washington, D.C., on July 16, 1865.

Organization & Service

The 146th New York Infantry was recruited primarily from Oneida County and organized at Rome, New York. The regiment mustered into federal service for three years on October 10, 1862, under Colonel Kenner Garrard. The following day, it departed New York for Washington, D.C.

In November 1862, the regiment joined the Army of the Potomac at Snicker’s Gap, Virginia, and was assigned to Warren’s (3rd) Brigade, Sykes’ (2nd) Division, 5th Corps—a division largely composed of regular army troops. The 146th saw its first combat at the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862. In May and June 1863, the regiment absorbed three-year men from the 5th and 17th New York Infantry, and in 1864, additional men from several other New York regiments were transferred in.

The regiment participated in the Chancellorsville and Gettysburg campaigns, suffering heavy losses. Colonel Garrard was promoted to brigadier-general for his conduct at Gettysburg. The 146th continued to serve in the 5th Corps, taking part in the Bristoe and Mine Run campaigns, and later in the Overland Campaign, where it endured severe losses at the Wilderness, including the deaths of Colonel Jenkins and Major Curran.

In 1865, the regiment served in Winthrop’s (1st) Brigade, Ayres’ (2nd) Division, 5th Corps, and was engaged at White Oak Road and Five Forks, where Brigade Commander General Winthrop was killed. The regiment was present at the surrender at Appomattox and was mustered out under Colonel James Grindlay on July 16, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville
• Gettysburg
• Williamsport, Maryland
• Rappahannock Station
• Bristoe Station
• Mine Run
• Wilderness (including Piney Branch Church, Laurel Hill, Gayle’s House)
• Spotsylvania
• North Anna
• Totopotomoy
• Cold Harbor
• Siege of Petersburg
• Weldon Railroad
• White Oak Ridge
• Poplar Spring Church
• Hatcher’s Run
• White Oak Swamp
• White Oak Road
• Five Forks
• Appomattox Campaign

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 7 officers, 126 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 2 officers, 187 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 324
• Died in the hands of the enemy: 1 officer, 87 enlisted men

The regiment’s total enrollment during service was 1,707. Losses in specific battles, such as the Wilderness (20 killed, 67 wounded, 225 captured or missing), are documented in official reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Kenner Garrard
• Colonel David T. Jenkins
• Colonel James Grindlay
• Lieutenant Colonel William S. Corning
• Lieutenant Colonel Jesse J. Armstrong
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry H. Curran
• Lieutenant Colonel Peter Claesgens
• Major Isaac P. Powell
• Major Henry H. Curran
• Major William S. Corning
• Major Peter Claesgens

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of soldiers who served in the 146th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster includes names, ranks, enlistment dates, and other service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the full roster, visit the 146th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XIX, XXV, XXXVI, XL, XLVI
• 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, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)