Overview
The 1st New York Veteran Cavalry was a Union regiment organized during the American Civil War as part of the cavalry branch. The regiment was formed at Geneva, New York, in 1863, and served primarily in the Department of West Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. Its ranks were largely filled by veterans from the 27th and 33rd New York Infantry regiments, and it was noted for its experienced personnel and active field service.
The regiment was originally intended to be designated as the 17th New York Cavalry, but this was changed before organization commenced. Companies were principally recruited from Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, Monroe, Erie, and Chemung counties. The 1st New York Veteran Cavalry served with distinction in numerous engagements and campaigns until its mustering out in July 1865.
Organization & Service
The 1st New York Veteran Cavalry began organizing at Geneva, New York, in the summer and fall of 1863. Companies A and B were mustered into U.S. service at Elmira on July 31 and September 8, 1863, respectively, for three years. The remaining companies were mustered at Geneva between October 10 and November 19, 1863. On September 17, 1863, men enlisted for Companies A and B of the 17th Cavalry were transferred to this regiment. In October 1864, Company M was consolidated with Company A, and a new Company M was mustered in at Elmira for a one-year term.
The regiment left New York by detachments from July to November 1863 and was stationed in the Department of Washington until February 1864. It was attached to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Cavalry of West Virginia, and saw its first combat at Upperville in February 1864. The regiment participated in numerous actions throughout 1864, including Snickersville, Kabletown, New Market, Woodstock, Newtown, Harrisonburg, Piedmont, Waynesboro, Cheat Mountain, Diamond Hill, Lynchburg, White Sulphur Springs, Bunker Hill, and several skirmishes near Martinsburg, Leetown, Sharpsburg, Sandy Hook, Charlestown, and Winchester.
In August 1864, the regiment was attached to the 2nd Cavalry Division, Army of West Virginia, and fought at Duffield Station, Cedar Creek, Berryville, Charlestown, and Falling Waters. It was then ordered to the remount camp in Maryland, where it remained until the end of October 1864. In November, the regiment was engaged at Nineveh and Rude’s Hill as part of the Army of the Shenandoah, but did not suffer losses in these actions. The regiment saw no further major engagements and was mustered out under Colonel John S. Platner at Camp Piatt, West Virginia, on July 20, 1865.
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
- Upperville (February 1864)
- Snickersville (March 6, 1864)
- Kabletown (March 10, 1864)
- New Market (May 1864)
- Woodstock
- Newtown
- Harrisonburg
- Piedmont
- Waynesboro
- Cheat Mountain
- Diamond Hill
- Lynchburg
- White Sulphur Springs
- Bunker Hill
- Martinsburg (near)
- Leetown (near)
- Sharpsburg (near)
- Sandy Hook (near)
- Charlestown (near and August 1864)
- Winchester (near)
- Duffield Station (August 1864)
- Cedar Creek (August 1864)
- Berryville (August 1864)
- Falling Waters (August 1864)
- Nineveh (November 1864)
- Rude’s Hill (November 1864)
Casualties
During its service, the 1st New York Veteran Cavalry lost 4 officers and 47 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded in action. An additional 87 enlisted men died from disease, accidents, or while in prison, making a total loss of 138 men. These figures are based on official reports and may vary slightly among sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel Robert F. Taylor
- Colonel John S. Platner
- Lieutenant Colonel John S. Platner
- Lieutenant Colonel Charles A. Wells
- Major Charles A. Wells
- Major Charles W. Ringer
- Major James E. Williams
- Major J. M. Guion
- Major Jerry A. Sullivan (killed at Kabletown)
- Major E. D. Comstock
Regimental Roster
The complete roster of the 1st New York Veteran Cavalry, including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides details on company assignments, enlistment dates, and service records.
To view the full roster, visit the 1st New York Veteran Cavalry Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 33, 37, 43
- Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- New York State Adjutant General’s Reports
- Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
- Contemporary regimental and state histories