149th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 149th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York. Mustered into United States service on September 18, 1862, the regiment served in the Union Army, primarily in the Eastern and Western Theaters. The unit was notable for its participation in major engagements such as Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Lookout Mountain, and the Atlanta Campaign. The regiment was commanded initially by Colonel Henry A. Barnum, an experienced officer who had previously served as major of the 12th New York Infantry.

The 149th New York Infantry was composed mainly of men from Onondaga County. The regiment gained distinction for its gallantry at Culp’s Hill during the Battle of Gettysburg and for capturing five flags at Lookout Mountain. Several members received the Medal of Honor for their actions during the war.

Organization & Service

The 149th New York Infantry was organized at Syracuse and mustered in for three years’ service on September 18, 1862. The regiment departed New York for Washington, D.C., on September 23, 1862, and was promptly assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd (Geary’s) Division, 12th Corps, Army of the Potomac. Its first major engagement was at Chancellorsville in May 1863, where it suffered significant losses. At Gettysburg in July 1863, the regiment played a key role in the defense of Culp’s Hill as part of Greene’s Brigade.

Following Gettysburg, the 12th Corps, including the 149th, was transferred to the Army of the Cumberland and moved to Tennessee. The regiment fought at Wauhatchie, Lookout Mountain—where it captured five enemy flags—and Missionary Ridge. In early 1864, the 12th Corps was reorganized as the 20th Corps under General Hooker. The 149th participated in the Atlanta Campaign, beginning with 380 effective men and suffering heavy casualties, especially at Peachtree Creek where Lieutenant Colonel Charles B. Randall was killed. The regiment continued with Sherman’s March to the Sea, took part in the siege of Savannah, and campaigned through the Carolinas, culminating in the surrender of Johnston’s army. The regiment marched to Washington, D.C., participated in the Grand Review, and was mustered out near Bladensburg, Maryland, on June 12, 1865, under Colonel Nicholas Grumbach.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Chancellorsville
• Gettysburg (Culp’s Hill)
• Wauhatchie
• Lookout Mountain
• Missionary Ridge
• Ringgold Gap
• Resaca
• New Hope Church
• Lost Mountain
• Kennesaw Mountain
• Peachtree Creek
• Atlanta
• Rocky Face Ridge
• Averasboro
• Bentonville
• Bennett’s House
• Siege of Savannah

Casualties

• Total enrollment: 1,155
• Killed or mortally wounded: 4 officers, 129 enlisted men (total 133)
• Died of disease and other causes: 78
• Total deaths: 211
• Total killed and wounded: 486

Casualty figures are based on Fox’s “Regimental Losses in the Civil War” and New York State Adjutant General reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Henry A. Barnum
• Colonel Nicholas Grumbach
• Lieutenant Colonel John M. Strong
• Lieutenant Colonel Abel G. Cook
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles B. Randall (killed at Peachtree Creek)
• Lieutenant Colonel Edward D. Murray, Jr.
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry W. Burhaus
• Major Abel G. Cook
• Major Charles B. Randall
• Major Robert E. Hopkins
• Major Nicholas Grumbach
• Major Henry W. Burhaus

Key battle commanders are listed when known from official reports and regimental histories.

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 149th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides details on enlistment, rank, and service records for members of the regiment.

To view the complete roster, visit the 149th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 25, 27, 28, 30, 38, 44
• New York State Adjutant General’s Reports, 1862–1865
• 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)