18th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 18th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in New York State for Union service during the American Civil War. Known as the “New York State Rifles,” the regiment was composed of companies recruited from Schenectady, Albany, Dutchess, Orange, Ontario, and St. Lawrence counties. It was mustered into United States service at Albany on May 17, 1861, for a two-year term. The regiment served primarily in the Eastern Theater and participated in several major campaigns and battles with the Army of the Potomac.

Organization & Service

The 18th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was organized at Albany and mustered in on May 17, 1861. After a month in camp near Albany, the regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on June 18, 1861. Upon arrival, it encamped on Meridian Hill until July 12, then moved to Alexandria, Virginia, and was attached to the 2nd Brigade, 5th Division, Army of Northeastern Virginia. The regiment advanced with the army to Manassas, engaging in actions at Braddock Road, Fairfax Station, and Blackburn’s Ford, and served as artillery support at the First Battle of Bull Run.

Following Bull Run, the regiment withdrew to Alexandria and, on August 4, was assigned to Franklin’s Brigade, later under General Newton. The unit camped near Fairfax Seminary, participating in the construction of Fort Ward. In March 1862, the regiment briefly moved to Fairfax Court House before returning to camp. In April, as part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 6th Corps, Army of the Potomac, it moved to Bristoe Station, then returned to camp, and finally reached Yorktown at the time of its evacuation by Confederate forces.

The regiment was active at West Point and in the Seven Days’ Battles, suffering its heaviest losses at Gaines’ Mill. It was stationed at Harrison’s Landing until August 15, 1862, then ordered to Newport News and subsequently to Alexandria. The 18th New York participated in the battles of Crampton’s Gap, Antietam, and Fredericksburg, and camped near Falmouth until the “Mud March” and the Chancellorsville Campaign. The regiment saw heavy action at Marye’s Heights and Salem Church, which were its final engagements. The unit was ordered home soon after and mustered out at Albany on May 28, 1863. Men enlisted for three years were transferred to the 121st New York Infantry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Braddock Road
• Fairfax Station
• Blackburn’s Ford
• First Battle of Bull Run
• West Point
• Seven Days’ Battles (including Gaines’ Mill)
• Crampton’s Gap
• Antietam
• Fredericksburg
• “Mud March”
• Chancellorsville Campaign (Marye’s Heights, Salem Church)

Casualties

During its service, the 18th New York Infantry lost 39 men killed or mortally wounded in action, and 36 died from other causes. Total deaths: 75. These figures are based on official state and federal records.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William A. Jackson
• Colonel William H. Young
• Colonel George R. Myers
• Lieutenant Colonel William H. Young
• Lieutenant Colonel George R. Myers
• Lieutenant Colonel John C. Maginnis
• Major George R. Myers
• Major John C. Maginnis
• Major William S. Gridley

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 18th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), 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 18th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 2, 5, 9, 11, 19, 21, 25, 27
• 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
• The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Vol. 2