14th New York Artillery Heavy in the American Civil War

Overview

The 14th New York Artillery (Heavy) was a Union regiment organized in Rochester, New York, primarily recruited from Monroe, Yates, St. Lawrence, and Jefferson counties. Serving as heavy artillery, the regiment was mustered into United States service for three years between August 29, 1863, and January 17, 1865. The unit is recognized by Col. Fox as one of the “three hundred fighting regiments” of the Civil War, noted for its significant combat involvement and high casualties.

The 14th New York Heavy Artillery served in the Eastern Theater, initially garrisoning forts in New York Harbor before joining the Army of the Potomac’s IX Corps. The regiment participated in several major campaigns and battles, including the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and the final operations around Richmond and Petersburg.

Organization & Service

Recruiting for the 14th New York Artillery (Heavy) began in June 1863, but the regiment was not fully organized until January 1864. Companies were mustered into service at Rochester between August 29, 1863, and January 17, 1865, for a three-year term. Many men had prior service in two-year regiments. The regiment was initially assigned to garrison duty in the defenses of New York Harbor until April 23, 1864.

On April 23, 1864, the regiment was ordered to the front and attached to the IX Corps, Army of the Potomac, joining at Warrenton, Virginia. It moved to the Rapidan River and was present at the Battle of the Wilderness, though only partially engaged. The regiment saw heavy action at Spotsylvania Court House as part of Stevenson’s Division and suffered significant losses at Cold Harbor. On June 17, 1864, the regiment distinguished itself in a charge on the works at Petersburg, incurring heavy casualties. During the Battle of the Crater (mine explosion), the 14th led the assault and was the first to plant its colors on the enemy’s works, capturing a Confederate flag. The regiment continued to serve in the trenches before Petersburg, enduring daily losses from constant firing.

The 14th New York Heavy Artillery was present at Fort Stedman during the Confederate sortie on March 25, 1865, where it fought its way through enemy lines to Fort Haskell and helped hold that position. The regiment also participated in the Weldon Railroad action as part of White’s Division, suffering further losses. The regiment was mustered out under Col. Elisha G. Marshall on August 26, 1865, at Washington, D.C. Col. Marshall was brevetted major-general on March 13, 1865, for his service.

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, New York Harbor (to April 1864)
  • Wilderness
  • Spotsylvania Court House
  • North Anna
  • Totopotomy
  • Bethesda Church
  • Cold Harbor
  • First assault on Petersburg
  • Mine Explosion (Battle of the Crater)
  • Weldon Railroad
  • Peebles’ Farm
  • Boydton Road
  • Hatcher’s Run
  • Fort Stedman
  • Fall of Petersburg

Casualties

  • Total enrollment: 2,506 officers and men
  • Killed and mortally wounded: 226
  • Died of disease and other causes: 301
  • Died in Confederate prisons: 84
  • Total killed and wounded: 861
  • Cold Harbor (June 1, 1864): 15 killed, 43 wounded, 16 missing
  • Petersburg (June 17, 1864): 38 killed, 152 wounded, 60 missing (total 250)
  • Mine Explosion (July 30, 1864): 10 killed, 44 wounded, 78 missing (total 132)
  • Bethesda Church: 15 killed, 43 wounded, 61 missing
  • Weldon Railroad: 6 killed, 40 wounded, 3 missing

Field Officers & Commanders

  • Colonel Elisha G. Marshall
  • Lieutenant Colonel Clarence H. Corning
  • Lieutenant Colonel William H. Reynolds
  • Lieutenant Colonel George M. Randall
  • Major William H. Reynolds
  • Major Henry V. Pemberton
  • Major Job C. Hedges (killed at Petersburg, June 17, 1864)
  • Major George M. Randall
  • Major Joseph P. Cleary
  • Major William H. Trowbridge
  • Major Lorenzo I. Jones
  • Major David Jones
  • Major Albion Howe

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 14th New York Artillery (Heavy), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where recorded.

To view the complete roster, visit the 14th New York Artillery (Heavy) Roster page.

Sources & References

  • Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XXXVI, XL, XLII, XLVI
  • 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
  • Contemporary regimental and state histories
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