50th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 50th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as Stuart’s Regiment and later as the 50th New York Engineers, was organized at Elmira, New York, with companies drawn from the middle and western regions of the state. The regiment was mustered into United States service on September 18, 1861, for a three-year term. Initially serving as infantry, the unit was soon converted to engineers by special order and played a significant role in the Army of the Potomac’s operations throughout the war.

The 50th New York served with distinction in the Eastern Theater, providing critical engineering support during major campaigns and battles. The regiment was recognized for its proficiency in constructing bridges, trenches, and fortifications, often under enemy fire. It was mustered out in June 1865 after participating in the Grand Review in Washington, D.C.

Organization & Service

The 50th New York Infantry was organized at Elmira and mustered into service on September 18, 1861. The regiment left New York for Washington on September 21, 1861, with 850 men and was initially assigned to the 3rd Brigade of General Porter’s Division. On October 22, 1861, the regiment was converted to engineers by order of the War Department and stationed in Washington for specialized training.

In March 1862, the regiment joined the Volunteer Engineers’ Brigade of the Army of the Potomac and moved to Yorktown, Virginia, where it was engaged in constructing trenches, bridges, and earthworks during the Peninsula Campaign. The regiment’s companies were frequently detached for escort and bridge-building duties, reuniting at Dispatch Station in June 1862 to facilitate the army’s crossing of the Chickahominy River. The 50th accompanied the army through the Seven Days’ Battles to Harrison’s Landing, with detachments sent to Hampton and other locations.

After regrouping in Washington in September 1862, four companies were detached to Harper’s Ferry to construct pontoon bridges, with further detachments supporting operations near Fredericksburg. The regiment played a key role in laying bridges under fire during the Battle of Fredericksburg. On July 17, 1862, the unit was officially accepted as a regiment of the Volunteer Engineer Corps by act of Congress.

The 50th New York Engineers continued to serve in the Chancellorsville Campaign, assisting in river crossings and bridge construction. At Deep Run in June 1863, the regiment suffered casualties while laying a bridge under fire. During the Gettysburg Campaign, some companies remained in the field while others were stationed in Washington. In December 1863, a majority of the regiment reenlisted and received veteran furloughs. Two new companies were added in the winter of 1863–64, and the regiment’s ranks were replenished with recruits.

During the Overland Campaign in 1864, the regiment was divided among the II, V, and VI Corps, with one company remaining in Washington. The 50th was heavily involved in constructing bridges, including a notable 2,010-foot bridge across the James River, and in fortification and railroad destruction during the Petersburg operations. The regiment was recognized for its engineering skill and reliability under fire, reportedly losing no bridge material during its final year of service.

Original members not reenlisted were mustered out in New York in September 1864. The veteran organization participated in the Grand Review in Washington and was mustered out on June 13–14, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Peninsula Campaign (Yorktown, White House, Chickahominy River, Seven Days’ Battles, Harrison’s Landing)
• Fredericksburg Campaign
• Chancellorsville Campaign
• Deep Run (June 1863)
• Gettysburg Campaign (detachments in the field and Washington)
• Overland Campaign (Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor)
• James River crossing (June 1864)
• Petersburg operations

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 17
• Died of disease and other causes: 214
• Total known losses: 231

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Charles B. Stuart
• Colonel William H. Pettes
• Lieutenant Colonel William H. Pettes
• Lieutenant Colonel Ira Spaulding
• Major Frederick E. Embrick
• Major Ira Spaulding
• Major George W. Ford
• Major Orrin E. Hine
• Major Wesley Brainard
• Major William W. Folwell
• Major Edmund O. Beers
• Major James H. McDonald

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 50th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster includes names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the full roster, please visit the 50th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (Army of the Potomac, Engineer Brigade reports, 1861–1865)
• New York State Adjutant General’s Reports
• Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• The Union Army, Vol. 2, Federal Publishing Company, 1908