Overview
The 5th New York Battalion Heavy Artillery (also known as the 2nd Battalion Black River Artillery) was a Union battalion organized in New York during the American Civil War. Composed of Companies A, B, C, and D, the battalion was mustered at Sacket’s Harbor in the fall of 1862. It served in the heavy artillery branch and was primarily assigned to the defenses of Washington, D.C. during its brief period of service.
This battalion was part of the Union Army and operated in the Eastern Theater. Its existence was short-lived, as it was discontinued in December 1862, with its companies reassigned to the 10th New York Heavy Artillery Regiment.
Organization & Service
The 5th New York Battalion Heavy Artillery was organized at Sacket’s Harbor, New York, in the fall of 1862. The battalion consisted of four companies: A, B, C, and D. After organization and initial training, the battalion departed New York State on September 17, 1862, and was sent to the defenses of Washington, D.C.
While stationed in Washington, the battalion performed garrison and defensive duties as part of the capital’s fortifications. In December 1862, the battalion was discontinued. Its companies were then transferred and redesignated as Companies A, G, C, and F of the 10th New York Heavy Artillery Regiment. The battalion ceased to exist as a separate entity after this reassignment.
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. (September–December 1862)
Casualties
Specific casualty figures for the 5th New York Battalion Heavy Artillery during its brief period of service are not detailed in available primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Field and staff officers are not fully documented in surviving records for this battalion.
Regimental Roster
The complete roster of soldiers who served in the 5th New York Battalion Heavy Artillery is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster includes names, ranks, and company assignments as recorded during the battalion’s service.
To view the full roster, visit the 5th New York Battalion Heavy Artillery Roster page.
Sources & References
- New York State Adjutant General’s Report
- Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I