Overview
The 1st U.S. Sharpshooters (also known as Berdan’s Sharpshooters) was a specialized infantry regiment in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Although a national regiment, New York contributed significantly, furnishing Companies A, B, D, and H, as well as a large number of later recruits. The unit was organized in 1861 under Colonel Hiram Berdan and served primarily in the Eastern Theater with the Army of the Potomac. The regiment was renowned for its marksmanship and skirmishing abilities.
This regiment is distinct from state-designated sharpshooter units and should not be confused with the 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters or other New York infantry regiments.
Organization & Service
The 1st U.S. Sharpshooters was recruited by Colonel Hiram Berdan in the summer of 1861. New York’s contributions included:
- Company A: Recruited in New York City, commanded by Captain Caspar Trepp, mustered into U.S. service between September 3 and November 29, 1861, for three years.
- Company B: Recruited at Albany, New York City, and Penn Yan, organized at Albany, mustered in November 29, 1861, under Captain Stephen Martin.
- Company D: Recruited at New Berlin, Cherry Valley, Roseboom, Richfield Springs, Milford, Deerfield, Norway, and Mexico, mustered in November 29, 1861, under Captain George S. Tuckerman.
- Company H: Recruited in New York City, mustered in November 29, 1861, under Captain George G. Hastings.
The regiment served with the Army of the Potomac, at times in detachments and at times as a unified organization, attached to the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Corps. The sharpshooters participated in numerous campaigns and battles, often deployed as skirmishers or in advanced positions. Company A was mustered out before Petersburg on August 19, 1864; Company D was mustered out on August 28 and December 31, 1864. The regiment was consolidated with the 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters, and in February 1865, remaining New York men were transferred to the 124th New York Infantry.
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
- Peninsula Campaign (1862)
- Second Bull Run
- Antietam
- Fredericksburg
- Chancellorsville
- Gettysburg
- Wilderness
- Spotsylvania
- Cold Harbor
- Petersburg (including the Siege of Petersburg)
Casualties
Among the officers and men furnished by New York, 3 officers and 33 enlisted men were killed or mortally wounded. An additional 30 men died of disease and other causes, for a total of 66 losses. These figures are based on official state and federal records.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel Hiram Berdan
- Lieutenant Colonel Caspar Trepp
- Lieutenant Colonel George G. Hastings
- Major George G. Hastings
- Major John Wilson
- Major William S. Rowland
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 1st U.S. Sharpshooters, including officers and enlisted men from New York, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official sources.
To view the complete roster, visit the 1st U.S. Sharpshooters Regimental Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 5, 9, 11, 19, 21, 25, 27, 36, 40, 46
- New York State Adjutant General’s Reports
- Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
- Regimental and state histories published in the 19th century