Overview
The 4th New York Battalion Heavy Artillery, also known as the 1st Battalion Black River Artillery, was a Union heavy artillery unit organized in New York during the Civil War. The battalion was formed at Sacket’s Harbor and primarily served in the defenses of New York Harbor. Its service was limited to garrison duty, and it did not participate in major field campaigns or battles before being discontinued.
This unit was active from its organization until December 31, 1862, when its four companies were transferred to the 10th New York Heavy Artillery Regiment. The battalion served exclusively in the Eastern Theater, focusing on the protection of key harbor installations.
Organization & Service
The 4th New York Battalion Heavy Artillery was organized at Sacket’s Harbor, New York. It was also referred to as the 1st Battalion Black River Artillery. Upon organization, the battalion was assigned to garrison duty at Fort Richmond, located in New York Harbor. The battalion consisted of four companies.
The battalion remained at Fort Richmond for the duration of its existence, performing defensive and garrison duties. On December 31, 1862, the battalion was discontinued. Its four companies were transferred to the 10th New York Heavy Artillery Regiment, becoming Companies E, D, M, and B, respectively. After this transfer, the battalion ceased to exist as a separate unit.
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
- Garrison duty at Fort Richmond, New York Harbor (1862)
The battalion did not participate in any field campaigns or major battles before its companies were transferred to the 10th New York Heavy Artillery.
Casualties
No detailed casualty figures are reported for the 4th New York Battalion Heavy Artillery during its period of service. The battalion primarily performed garrison duty and did not see combat before its discontinuation.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Commanding officers’ names for this battalion are not specified in available primary sources.
Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 4th New York Battalion Heavy Artillery, including names and service details of its members, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource is valuable for genealogists and researchers seeking information on individual soldiers who served in the battalion.
To view the complete roster, visit the 4th New York Battalion Heavy Artillery Roster page.
Sources & References
- New York State Adjutant General’s Report
- Dyer, Frederick H. Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I