3rd New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 3rd New York Infantry (Two Years’ and Subsequent Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Albany, New York, and mustered into United States service on May 14, 1861, for a two-year term. Known as the “1st Albany Regiment,” it served in the Union Army, primarily in the Eastern Theater. The regiment participated in numerous campaigns and engagements, including early actions in Virginia, the siege of Suffolk, operations against Charleston, and major battles in Virginia and North Carolina. The unit remained active through the end of the Civil War, mustering out in August 1865.

Organization & Service

The 3rd New York Infantry was organized at Albany and mustered in on May 14, 1861. Four days later, the regiment departed for New York City and then proceeded to Fortress Monroe, arriving on June 3, 1861. Its first significant engagement was at Big Bethel, where it suffered casualties before returning to Fortress Monroe. On July 30, 1861, the regiment was ordered to Baltimore and stationed at Fort McHenry, remaining there until April 1, 1862.

During the summer of 1862, the regiment was posted at Suffolk, Virginia, and on September 12 was ordered back to Fortress Monroe. In May 1863, original members who did not reenlist were mustered out, but the regiment continued in service, composed of veterans, recruits, and consolidated elements from the 9th and later the 112th New York Infantry. The 3rd participated in the siege of Suffolk and was later sent to Folly Island, South Carolina, where it took part in operations against Fort Wagner, the bombardment of Fort Sumter, and attacks on Charleston as part of Alford’s Brigade, 18th Corps.

In October 1863, the regiment was attached to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 10th Corps, and returned to Virginia. In May 1864, it was active in the advance under General Butler, including the battle of Drewry’s Bluff, and was then transferred to the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 18th Corps, participating in the Cold Harbor operations. The regiment rejoined the 10th Corps on June 15, 1864, and was engaged in the assaults at Petersburg, the mine explosion of July 30, Fort Harrison, and the Darbytown Road. On December 3, 1864, it was attached to the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 24th Corps, and sent to North Carolina, where it fought at Fort Fisher, Sugar Loaf Battery, Fort Anderson, and Wilmington. The regiment remained in North Carolina on picket and garrison duty until the end of the war, mustering out at Raleigh on August 28, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Big Bethel (June 1861)
• Garrison duty at Fort McHenry (Baltimore)
• Suffolk (1862–1863), including the siege of Suffolk
• Folly Island operations (South Carolina)
• Operations against Fort Wagner and bombardment of Fort Sumter
• Charleston attacks (1863)
• Advance under General Butler (May 1864)
• Battle of Drewry’s Bluff
• Cold Harbor (June 1864)
• Assaults at Petersburg (June–July 1864)
• Mine Explosion at Petersburg (July 30, 1864)
• Fort Harrison
• Darbytown Road
• Fort Fisher (North Carolina)
• Sugar Loaf Battery
• Fort Anderson
• Wilmington

Casualties

During its service, the 3rd New York Infantry lost 37 men killed or mortally wounded in action and 85 men who died from other causes. These figures are based on regimental and official reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Frederick Townsend
• Colonel Samuel M. Alford
• Colonel Eldridge G. Floyd
• Colonel John E. Mulford
• Lieutenant Colonel Samuel M. Alford
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry P. Hubbell
• Lieutenant Colonel Eldridge G. Floyd
• Lieutenant Colonel John E. Mulford
• Lieutenant Colonel George W. Warren
• Major Abel Smith, Jr.
• Major John E. Mulford
• Major Eldridge G. Floyd
• Major George W. Warren
• Major T. Ellery Lord

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 3rd New York Infantry, including officers and enlisted men who served during its term, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides details on enlistment, rank, and service records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 3rd New York Infantry Regimental Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (Army of the Potomac, Department of Virginia, Department of North Carolina)
• 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
• The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 2