23rd New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 23rd 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 “Southern Tier Regiment,” it was composed of companies from Steuben, Tioga, Chemung, Alleghany, Cortland, and Schuyler counties. The regiment was mustered into United States service at Elmira on July 2, 1861, for a two-year term and served primarily in the Eastern Theater as part of the Army of the Potomac and the Army of Virginia.

The 23rd New York Infantry participated in several major campaigns and battles, including Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. The regiment was mustered out of service in New York City on June 26, 1863.

Organization & Service

The 23rd New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was organized at Elmira, New York, and mustered into federal service on July 2, 1861. The regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on July 5, 1861, and was initially encamped at Meridian Hill. On July 23, it moved to Fort Runyon, and on August 5, to Arlington Heights, remaining there until late September. The regiment was assigned to Hunter’s Brigade on August 4, then to Wadsworth’s Brigade, McDowell’s Division on October 15, 1861. In March 1862, it became part of the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 1st Corps, Army of the Potomac.

Early actions included skirmishes at Fall’s Church, Ball’s Cross-Roads, and Munson’s Hill, with minor casualties. In March 1862, the regiment moved to Centerville, then returned to Upton’s Hill, and later advanced to Bristoe Station and Falmouth, conducting expeditions from that base. On June 26, 1862, the regiment was attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 3rd Corps, Army of Virginia, and participated in General Pope’s campaign, seeing action at the Rappahannock, Sulphur Springs, Gainesville, and Second Bull Run.

In September 1862, the brigade and division were transferred to the 1st Corps, Army of the Potomac, and the regiment fought at South Mountain and Antietam. After encamping at Sharpsburg, Maryland, until October 20, the regiment moved toward Fredericksburg and was engaged in the battle there in December 1862. The 23rd New York spent the winter at Belle Plain and, on January 9, 1863, was transferred to Patrick’s Provost Guard Brigade. It served in this capacity, stationed at Acquia Creek in April and May 1863, until its term expired. The regiment was mustered out at New York City on June 26, 1863.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Fall’s Church
• Ball’s Cross-Roads
• Munson’s Hill
• Rappahannock Campaign (Army of Virginia)
• Sulphur Springs
• Gainesville
• Second Bull Run
• South Mountain
• Antietam
• Fredericksburg

Casualties

According to official records, the 23rd New York Infantry lost 17 men by death from wounds and 55 by death from all causes during its two years of service. At Antietam, the regiment suffered 42 killed, wounded, and missing. Detailed breakdowns by battle or cause are not always available in surviving sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Henry C. Hoffmann
• Lieutenant Colonel Nirom M. Crane
• Major William M. Gregg

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 23rd New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details valuable for genealogical and historical research.

To view the full roster, visit the 23rd 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