22nd New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 22nd New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment from New York, organized for Union service during the American Civil War. The regiment, also known as the 2nd Northern New York Regiment, was composed primarily of companies from Washington, Essex, Warren, and Saratoga counties. It was mustered into United States service at Camp Rathbone, Troy, on June 6, 1861, for a two-year term. The 22nd New York served in the Eastern Theater, participating in several major campaigns and battles with the Army of the Potomac and the Army of Virginia.

This regiment is distinct from any other New York regiments with similar designations or service terms.

Organization & Service

The 22nd New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was organized at Camp Rathbone, Troy, New York, and mustered in on June 6, 1861. Shortly after, the regiment moved to Albany and remained there until June 28, 1861, before departing for Washington, D.C. Upon arrival, it encamped on Meridian Hill until July 24, then moved to Arlington Heights and was assigned to General Keyes’ brigade. In March 1862, this became the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 1st Corps.

The regiment spent the winter of 1861–62 at Upton’s Hill. On March 10, 1862, it participated in the movement to Centerville, but soon returned to Upton’s Hill and then proceeded to Falmouth in April. In June 1862, the 22nd New York was attached to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 3rd Corps, Army of Virginia. In September 1862, the same brigade and division became part of the 1st Corps, Army of the Potomac. The brigade, known as the Iron Brigade before the formation of the more famous Western Iron Brigade, saw heavy action at Second Manassas, South Mountain, and Antietam. The regiment suffered significant losses, particularly at Second Manassas and Antietam. After the Maryland Campaign, the regiment moved to Falmouth and participated in the Battle of Fredericksburg, holding the extreme left of the Union line. It then wintered at Belle Plain, joined the “Mud March,” and later participated in the Chancellorsville Campaign, where it was held in reserve and suffered minor losses at Pollock’s Mill Creek. The 22nd New York Infantry was mustered out at Albany on June 19, 1863.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defenses of Washington (1861–1862)
• Movement to Centerville (March 1862)
• Operations near Falmouth (April 1862)
• Second Battle of Bull Run (Manassas), August 1862
• Battle of South Mountain, September 1862
• Battle of Antietam, September 1862
• Battle of Fredericksburg, December 1862
• “Mud March,” January 1863
• Chancellorsville Campaign (reserve), April–May 1863
• Pollock’s Mill Creek (rear-guard action), May 1863

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 72
• Died of disease or other causes: 28
• Total deaths: 100
• At Second Manassas, the regiment lost 180 killed, wounded, or missing out of 379 engaged, including 46 killed or mortally wounded.
• Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources regarding total wounded and missing across all engagements.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Walter Phelps, Jr.
• Lieutenant Colonel Gorton F. Thomas
• Lieutenant Colonel John McKee, Jr.
• Lieutenant Colonel Thomas J. Strong
• Major John McKee, Jr.
• Major George Clendon, Jr.
• Major Thomas J. Strong
• Major Lyman Ormsby
• Lieutenant Colonel Thomas (killed at Second Manassas)

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 22nd New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 22nd New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 5, 9, 12, 19, 21
• 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, Volume 2