Overview
The 17th New York Independent Battery, also known as the “Orleans Battery,” served as an artillery unit for the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Lockport, New York, in August 1862, the battery was mustered into United States service for a three-year term on August 26, 1862. The unit primarily performed garrison duty in Washington, D.C., before joining active field operations in 1864. The battery was commanded by Captain George T. Anthony throughout its service.
Organization & Service
The 17th New York Independent Battery was recruited and organized at Lockport, New York, in August 1862. The men were mustered into federal service on August 26, 1862, for a term of three years. Shortly after organization, the battery departed for Washington, D.C., on August 29, 1862. For nearly two years, the unit was stationed in Washington, performing garrison and defensive duties.
On July 6, 1864, the battery was ordered to the front and joined the Army of the James before Petersburg, Virginia. It was attached to the Artillery Brigade of the 18th Army Corps. The battery participated in the operations before Petersburg and was engaged at Chaffin’s Farm. In 1865, the unit took part in the final Appomattox Campaign, including the assault on Petersburg, actions at Rice’s Station and Bush River, and was present at the surrender at Appomattox Court House. The 17th New York Independent Battery was mustered out of service at Richmond, Virginia, on June 12, 1865, under the command of Captain George T. Anthony.
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, Washington, D.C. (1862–1864)
- Operations before Petersburg, Virginia (from July 1864)
- Chaffin’s Farm
- Final Appomattox Campaign (1865)
- Assault on Petersburg
- Rice’s Station
- Bush River
- Appomattox Court House
Casualties
The 17th New York Independent Battery lost a total of 17 men during its service, all by disease and other causes. No battle deaths are recorded in available primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain George T. Anthony
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 17th New York Independent Battery, including officers and enlisted men who served during its three-year term, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.
To view the complete roster, visit the 17th New York Independent Battery Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XL, XLII, XLVI
- 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