156th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 156th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the “Mountain Legion,” was an infantry regiment organized at Kingston, New York. It was mustered into United States service for three years on November 17, 1862. The regiment was primarily recruited from Ulster, Greene, and Richmond counties, with additional companies from New Paltz and those raised by Colonel Minthorn Thompson. The 156th New York served in the Union Army, participating in major campaigns in the Department of the Gulf, the Shenandoah Valley, and the Carolinas.

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

Organization & Service

The 156th New York Infantry was organized at Kingston and mustered in on November 17, 1862. Shortly after, the regiment departed New York on December 4, 1862, sailing for New Orleans. Upon arrival, it was assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 3rd (Emory’s) Division, 19th Army Corps. The regiment’s first engagement was at Fort Bisland, where it suffered 22 casualties. It then took part in the siege of Port Hudson, including the assault of June 14, 1863, during which Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Fowler was mortally wounded while leading a charge. The regiment’s total loss during the siege was 30 killed and wounded.

Following the fall of Port Hudson, the 156th New York performed post and garrison duties in Louisiana for approximately nine months, occasionally conducting reconnaissance missions. On March 15, 1864, as part of Grover’s (2nd) Division, the regiment participated in the Red River Campaign, engaging at Pleasant Hill, Alexandria, and Mansura with slight losses. In July 1864, the regiment was transferred with the first two divisions of the 19th Corps to Virginia, where it joined Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign. At the Battle of Opequon (Winchester), the regiment lost 20 killed and 91 wounded. Colonel Jacob Sharpe, promoted to brevet brigadier-general for gallantry, commanded the brigade, while Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Neafie led the regiment. The 156th New York also fought at Fisher’s Hill and Cedar Creek, losing 92 killed, wounded, and missing at Cedar Creek. During this action, Captain Alfred Cooley notably saved the regimental colors from capture.

After the conclusion of the Valley Campaign, the regiment moved with Grover’s Division to Savannah, Georgia, in January 1865. Under General H. W. Birge, the division joined the final campaign in the Carolinas, temporarily attached to the 10th Corps as the 1st Division. The 156th New York returned to Savannah in May 1865 and remained on duty in the area until it was mustered out at Augusta, Georgia, on October 23, 1865, under Colonel Sharpe.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Fort Bisland (April 1863)
• Siege of Port Hudson (May–July 1863), including assault of June 14
• Red River Campaign (March–May 1864): Pleasant Hill, Alexandria, Mansura
• Shenandoah Valley Campaign (August–October 1864): Battle of Opequon (Winchester), Fisher’s Hill, Cedar Creek
• Final Campaign in the Carolinas (1865)

Casualties

• Killed in action or mortally wounded: 4 officers, 60 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 4 officers, 163 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 231

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Erastus Cooke
• Colonel Jacob Sharpe (later Brevet Brigadier-General)
• Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Sharpe
• Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Fowler (mortally wounded at Port Hudson)
• Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Neafie
• Major Louis Schaffner
• Major Thomas Fowler
• Major William Van Wagenen
• Major Matthias S. Ewan
• Captain Alfred Cooley (noted for saving the regimental colors at Cedar Creek)

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of soldiers who served in the 156th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster includes names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the full roster, visit the 156th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XV, XXVI, XXXIV, XXXVII, XXXIX
• 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