157th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 157th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Hamilton, New York, and mustered into United States service for three years on September 19, 1862. Composed primarily of men from Madison and Cortland counties, the regiment served in the Union Army, participating in major campaigns in the Eastern and Southern theaters. The 157th New York Infantry is noted for its heavy losses at Gettysburg and its service in operations around Charleston, South Carolina.

Organization & Service

The 157th New York Infantry was organized at Hamilton, New York, and mustered in on September 19, 1862. The regiment departed the state on September 25, 1862, and proceeded to Washington, D.C., where it was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 3rd (Schurz’s) Division, 11th Corps. The regiment spent the winter of 1862–1863 at Stafford, Virginia.

The 157th saw its first major action at the Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863, suffering 98 casualties. At Gettysburg in July 1863, the regiment was heavily engaged on the first two days, sustaining severe losses and earning commendation for its conduct. Lieutenant Colonel George Arrowsmith was killed on the first day of the battle. Following Gettysburg, the regiment was transferred to the 1st Brigade, 1st (Schimmelfennig’s) Division, 11th Corps. In August 1863, the division was detached and sent to Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, joining the 10th Corps. The 157th participated in the siege of Fort Wagner and operations on Folly and Morris Islands.

In February 1864, the regiment was engaged at Seabrook and John’s Islands, then ordered to Florida, where it remained until June before returning to Beaufort, South Carolina. During the remainder of 1864, the 157th fought at Honey Hill, Boyd’s Point, Coosawhatchie, Deveaux Neck, and Tillafinny Station. In 1865, it participated in actions at Manningsville, Dingle’s Mill, Singleton’s Plantation, Big Rafting Creek, and Statesburg. The regiment was mustered out of service at Charleston, South Carolina, on July 10, 1865, under Colonel James C. Carmichael.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Chancellorsville
• Gettysburg
• Siege of Fort Wagner
• Operations around Charleston Harbor
• Seabrook Island (February 1864)
• John’s Island (February 1864)
• Honey Hill (1864)
• Boyd’s Point (1864)
• Coosawhatchie (1864)
• Deveaux Neck (1864)
• Tillafinny Station (1864)
• Manningsville (1865)
• Dingle’s Mill (1865)
• Singleton’s Plantation (1865)
• Big Rafting Creek (1865)
• Statesburg (1865)

Casualties

• Killed and mortally wounded: 7 officers, 90 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 2 officers, 104 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 203
• Total casualties (killed, wounded, and missing): 533
• At Gettysburg: 6 officers and 46 men killed and mortally wounded; 6 officers and 137 men wounded; 6 officers and 106 men missing; total 307 casualties
• Honey Hill: 32 killed and wounded
• Deveaux Neck: 24 killed and wounded
• Tillafinny Station: 20 killed and wounded
• Dingle’s Mill: 28 killed and wounded

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Philip P. Brown, Jr.
• Colonel James C. Carmichael
• Lieutenant Colonel George Arrowsmith (killed at Gettysburg)
• Lieutenant Colonel Frank Place
• Major James C. Carmichael
• Major Frank Place
• Major Leonard F. Briggs

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 157th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides details on company assignments, ranks, and service records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 157th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 25, 27, 35, 47
• 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