5th New York Artillery Heavy in the American Civil War

Overview

The 5th New York Artillery (Heavy), also known as the 2nd Regiment, Jackson Heavy Artillery, served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized in New York City, the regiment was composed primarily of men from New York and Kings counties, with additional companies recruited from Jefferson and Lewis counties. The unit was mustered into federal service in April and September 1862 for a three-year term and served in both garrison and field roles, notably in the Middle Department and the Shenandoah Valley. The regiment was known for its dual service as heavy artillery and as infantry during active campaigns.

Organization & Service

The 5th New York Artillery (Heavy) began organizing in New York City, with its first two battalions recruited mainly from New York and Kings counties by Colonels Samuel Graham and Edward Murray. The 70th Militia contributed additional men. These battalions were mustered into U.S. service in April 1862 for three years. The regiment’s organization was completed on December 31, 1862, when the 3rd Battalion of Black River Artillery, recruited in Jefferson and Lewis counties, was transferred in as Companies K, L, and M, having been mustered at Sacket’s Harbor in September 1862.

The original eight companies were initially assigned to garrison duties in New York Harbor. In late May 1862, the regiment moved to Baltimore, Maryland. On June 19, Companies A and F were detached under Major Henry B. McIlvaine and sent to Harper’s Ferry, where they were surrendered in September 1862 during the Confederate capture of the post. After being paroled, these companies rejoined the regiment in Baltimore.

The 3rd Battalion was stationed in the defenses of Washington, D.C., for nearly a year before being ordered to Harper’s Ferry in November 1863. In April 1864, the other two battalions joined them, and the regiment was employed in guarding Maryland Heights and performing fatigue duties. In May 1864, the 1st Battalion (Companies A, B, C, D) was detached for field service with the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Army of West Virginia (8th Corps), participating in several engagements. In July 1864, during Early’s attack on Harper’s Ferry, the regiment saw significant action and suffered losses. On July 29, 1864, the 2nd Battalion (Companies E, F, G, H), under Major Casper Urban, relieved the 1st Battalion in the field and participated in the major battles of the Shenandoah Valley under General Sheridan. The regiment continued to serve until it was mustered out at Harper’s Ferry on July 19, 1865, under Colonel Graham.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Garrison duty in New York Harbor (April–May 1862)
• Baltimore, Maryland (May 1862–June 1862)
• Harper’s Ferry (June–September 1862; surrender and parole)
• Defenses of Washington, D.C. (1862–1863)
• Harper’s Ferry and Maryland Heights (1863–1864)
• Field service with Army of West Virginia (May–July 1864): Battles of Piedmont, Lexington, Buchanan, Lynchburg, Liberty, Salem
• Defense of Harper’s Ferry during Early’s attack (July 1864)
• Shenandoah Valley Campaign (July–October 1864): Snicker’s Ferry, Winchester, Martinsburg, Cedar Creek (two actions), Charlestown, Halltown, Berryville, Opequan, Fisher’s Hill

Casualties

• Killed or died of wounds: 98 enlisted men
• Died of disease, accidents, and other causes: 1 officer, 293 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 392 (including 76 who died as prisoners)

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Samuel Graham
• Colonel Edward Murray
• Lieutenant Colonel Edward Murray
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry B. McIlvaine
• Major Henry B. McIlvaine
• Major Eugene McGrath
• Major Frederick C. Wilkie
• Major Casper Urban
• Major Henry B. Wilder
• Major Gustavus F. Merriam
• Major John H. Graham
• Major William H. Boyle

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 5th New York Artillery (Heavy), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official sources.

To view the complete roster, visit the 5th New York Artillery (Heavy) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (see Middle Department, Army of West Virginia, and Shenandoah Valley operations)
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Reports for 1862–1865
• Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• Contemporary regimental and state histories