25th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 25th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), known as the “Kerrigan Rangers,” was an infantry regiment organized in New York City for Union service during the American Civil War. The regiment was mustered into United States service on June 26, 1861, for a two-year term. Serving primarily in the Eastern Theater, the 25th New York participated in several major campaigns and battles with the Army of the Potomac.

This regiment was notable for its heavy engagement and losses at Hanover Court House and its participation in key Peninsula and Fredericksburg campaigns. The unit was mustered out at New York City on June 26, 1863.

Organization & Service

The 25th New York Infantry was recruited in New York City and mustered into service on June 26, 1861. The regiment initially encamped at Staten Island before departing for Washington, D.C., on July 3, 1861. Shortly after, it moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where it remained until October 1861. At that time, the regiment was assigned to Martindale’s Brigade, Porter’s Division, and stationed at Hall’s Hill, Virginia.

In March 1862, Martindale’s Brigade and Porter’s Division became part of the 3rd Corps, Army of the Potomac. The regiment moved to the Virginia Peninsula, participating in the siege of Yorktown and the battle of Hanover Court House, where it suffered significant casualties. The 25th New York was also engaged at Gaines’ Mill and Malvern Hill during the Seven Days Battles. After a period of rest at Harrison’s Landing, the regiment was ordered to Newport News, then to Falmouth, and subsequently participated in the Second Battle of Manassas with minor losses.

Following the Maryland Campaign, the regiment was held in reserve at Antietam and camped at Sharpsburg until late October 1862. It then moved toward Fredericksburg, arriving in November and participating in the battle there with further losses. The regiment endured the “Mud March” in January 1863 and established winter quarters near Potomac Creek. The 25th New York was not heavily engaged during the Chancellorsville Campaign and was mustered out in New York City on June 26, 1863.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Siege of Yorktown (April–May 1862)
• Battle of Hanover Court House (May 27, 1862)
• Battle of Gaines’ Mill (June 27, 1862)
• Battle of Malvern Hill (July 1, 1862)
• Second Battle of Manassas (August 28–30, 1862)
• Maryland Campaign (September 1862; held in reserve at Antietam)
• Battle of Fredericksburg (December 11–15, 1862)
• “Mud March” (January 1863)
• Chancellorsville Campaign (April–May 1863; not closely engaged)

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 61
• Died of accident, disease, or other causes: 28
• Total known deaths: 89

Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel James E. Kerrigan
• Colonel Charles A. Johnson
• Lieutenant Colonel Edmund C. Charles
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles A. Johnson
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry F. Savage
• Lieutenant Colonel Edwin S. Gilbert
• Lieutenant Colonel Sheppard Gleason
• Major George Mountjoy
• Major Henry F. Savage
• Major Edwin S. Gilbert
• Major Sheppard Gleason
• Major Patrick Connelly

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 25th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and other details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 25th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 5, 9, 11, 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