Overview
The 20th New York Independent Battery was an artillery unit organized in New York City, primarily recruited from New York and Kings counties. Mustered into United States service for three years on December 27, 1862, the battery served the Union in the Eastern Theater. Its service was notable for garrison duty in New York Harbor and participation in the suppression of the New York City draft riots.
This unit served exclusively as an independent battery of light artillery and was attached to the defenses of New York throughout its existence.
Organization & Service
The 20th New York Independent Battery was formed as part of Anthon’s battalion of artillery and officially mustered in at New York City on December 27, 1862. The battery was initially commanded by Captain Gilbert S. Coddington, who led the unit until his resignation on August 31, 1863. He was succeeded by Captain B. Franklin Ryer.
Throughout its service, the battery was stationed at Fort Schuyler and Fort Columbus, both key defensive positions in New York Harbor. The unit’s primary duty was garrison service, maintaining the security of the harbor and surrounding areas. In July 1863, a section of the battery was deployed to assist in quelling the New York City draft riots, providing artillery support to restore order. The battery remained on garrison duty until it was mustered out at New York City on July 31, 1865.
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 at Fort Schuyler, New York Harbor (1862–1865)
- Garrison duty at Fort Columbus, New York Harbor (1862–1865)
- Assisted in quelling the New York City draft riots (July 1863)
Casualties
During its term of service, the 20th New York Independent Battery lost 6 men to disease. No battle casualties are recorded for this unit.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain Gilbert S. Coddington (to August 31, 1863)
- Captain B. Franklin Ryer (from August 31, 1863)
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 20th New York Independent Battery, including officers and enlisted men who served during its three-year term, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official sources.
To view the complete roster, visit the 20th New York Independent Battery Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, relevant volumes
- 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