Overview
The 1st New York Battalion Heavy Artillery (Three Years’ Service) was organized in New York City during the summer of 1861 for Union service in the American Civil War. Composed of Companies A, B, C, and D, the battalion was mustered into United States service between August 12 and September 20, 1861, for a three-year term. The battalion served primarily in the defenses of Washington, D.C., and was notable for its later reorganization into independent light artillery batteries.
Organization & Service
The battalion was formed in New York City, with mustering completed from August 12 to September 20, 1861. The four companies departed New York for Washington, D.C., on October 20, 1861. Upon arrival, the battalion was assigned to the defenses of the capital, where it remained stationed through the winter of 1861–62 and into the following year. The companies performed garrison and defensive duties, manning fortifications around Washington.
In March 1863, the battalion organization was discontinued. Each company was redesignated as an independent battery of New York Light Artillery: Company A became the 29th Battery, Company B the 30th Battery, Company C the 31st Battery, and Company D the 32nd Battery. These batteries continued service as separate units for the remainder of the war.
Research This Regiment Further
If you’d like to explore this unit’s history in more depth, regimental histories and Civil War reference works offer valuable detail.
Engagements & Campaigns
- Defenses of Washington, D.C. (1861–1863)
After the battalion was discontinued in March 1863, its successor batteries participated in additional campaigns and battles as independent units.
Casualties
Specific casualty figures for the 1st New York Battalion Heavy Artillery (Three Years’ Service) as a battalion are not separately reported in primary sources. Losses for the successor batteries are recorded under their respective designations.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Brickell
- Major Albert Arndt
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 1st New York Battalion Heavy Artillery (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men of Companies A, B, C, and D, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details for genealogical and historical research.
To view the complete roster, visit the 1st New York Battalion Heavy Artillery (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Reports for 1861–1863
- Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 5, 9, and related correspondence
- Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War