Overview
The 7th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the “Northern Black Horse Cavalry,” was a Union cavalry regiment organized in New York during the early months of the Civil War. The regiment was formed in the fall of 1861 and was officially designated as the 7th New York Volunteer Cavalry by the War Department, though state authorities initially referred to it as the 2nd New York Cavalry. The unit served in the defenses of Washington, D.C., but was never mounted during its brief period of service.
This unit is distinct from the 1st Regiment Mounted Rifles, which was sometimes referred to as the 7th New York Cavalry by the War Department but is a separate organization.
Organization & Service
The 7th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) began organizing at Troy, New York, in the fall of 1861. Only eight companies were completed, and these were mustered into United States service for three years between November 6 and 8, 1861, at Salem, Sandy Creek, Troy, and Elmira. The regiment departed New York for Washington, D.C., on November 23, 1861, under the command of Colonel Andrew J. Morrison.
Upon arrival in Washington, the regiment was assigned to duty in the defenses of the capital and served in that vicinity throughout the winter of 1861–1862. The regiment was never mounted and did not participate in any field campaigns or battles. Due to incomplete organization and lack of mounts, the 7th New York Cavalry was mustered out and discharged from service on March 31, 1862.
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
- Duty in the defenses of Washington, D.C., November 1861 – March 1862
Casualties
During its service, the 7th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) lost 7 enlisted men, all of whom died of disease. No battle casualties are recorded for this regiment.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel Andrew J. Morrison
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 7th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides details on enlistment, rank, and service notes for members of the regiment.
To view the complete roster, visit the 7th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 5
- New York State Adjutant General’s Report
- Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War