Overview
The 6th New York Battalion Heavy Artillery, also known as the 3rd Battalion Black River Artillery, served as a Union heavy artillery unit during the American Civil War. It was organized at Sacket’s Harbor, New York, in the fall of 1862. The battalion was part of the Union Army and operated primarily in the defenses of Washington, D.C. during its brief period of independent service.
This unit is distinct from the 5th New York Artillery (Three Years’ Service), to which its companies were later assigned.
Organization & Service
The 6th New York Battalion Heavy Artillery was organized at Sacket’s Harbor in the fall of 1862. The battalion, known as the 3rd Battalion Black River Artillery, left New York State on September 17, 1862, and was assigned to duty in the defenses of Washington, D.C. The battalion served in this capacity until December 31, 1862.
On December 31, 1862, the battalion was discontinued as an independent organization. Its companies were reassigned to the 5th New York Artillery Regiment, becoming Companies I, K, L, and M of that regiment. After this date, the men and officers of the former 6th Battalion continued their service as part of the 5th New York Artillery.
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 6th New York Battalion Heavy Artillery during its independent service are not detailed in available primary sources. After December 31, 1862, losses would be recorded under the 5th New York Artillery.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Commanding officers during the battalion’s brief service are not specifically named in available official records.
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 6th New York Battalion Heavy Artillery, including officers and enlisted men who served during its independent existence, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details for genealogical research.
To view the complete roster, visit the 6th New York Battalion Heavy Artillery Roster page.
Sources & References
- New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Report of the Adjutant-General of the State of New York (1862), organization and assignment records.
- Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion.
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, relevant volumes for defenses of Washington, D.C., 1862.