51st New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 51st New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in New York City for the Union Army during the American Civil War. Mustered into United States service between July 27 and October 23, 1861, the regiment was composed of six companies of the Shepard Rifles, two companies of the Scott Rifles, and two companies of the Union Rifles. The 51st New York served primarily in the Eastern and Western Theaters and was noted for its extensive combat record and high casualty rate.

The regiment left New York for Washington, D.C., on October 31, 1861, and participated in many major campaigns and battles, including Burnside’s North Carolina Expedition, the Maryland Campaign, the Siege of Vicksburg, and the Petersburg operations. The 51st New York Infantry was recognized for its gallantry and sustained heavy losses throughout its service.

Organization & Service

The 51st New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized in New York City and mustered into federal service from July 27 to October 23, 1861. The regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on October 31, 1861, with 850 men and was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, under General Burnside’s North Carolina Expedition. Embarking from Annapolis on January 6, 1862, the regiment saw its first combat at Roanoke Island in February 1862, followed by the Battle of New Berne in March, where it suffered significant casualties.

After remaining at New Berne until July 6, 1862, the 51st was ordered to Virginia and assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 9th Army Corps. It participated in General Pope’s campaign, including actions at Kelly’s Ford, Sulphur Springs, Second Bull Run, and Chantilly, incurring further losses. The regiment was then involved in the Maryland Campaign, fighting at South Mountain and Antietam, where it lost 87 men in a notable charge across the stone bridge. Subsequent actions included engagements at Jefferson, Warrenton Springs, and Fredericksburg in December 1862.

Following Burnside’s “Mud March,” the regiment wintered near White Oak Church before transferring to the Department of the West. In June 1863, the 51st participated in the Siege of Vicksburg and the pursuit to Jackson, Mississippi, then moved to Tennessee for the Battle of Blue Springs, Campbell’s Station, and the defense of Knoxville. In December 1863, many members reenlisted and received veteran furloughs, rejoining the regiment at Knoxville with new recruits.

In early 1864, the 9th Corps joined the Army of the Potomac at Brandy Station. The 51st New York fought in the Wilderness Campaign, suffering 79 casualties in the first two days, including the wounding of Colonel LeGendre. The regiment continued to serve with distinction at Petersburg, including the mine explosion, Weldon Railroad, Poplar Spring Church, Hatcher’s Run, Fort Stedman, and the final assault on April 2, 1865. Non-reenlisted members mustered out in autumn 1864; veterans and recruits were mustered out at Alexandria on July 25, 1865. In June 1865, the regiment received veterans and recruits from the 109th New York Infantry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Burnside’s North Carolina Expedition (Roanoke Island, New Berne)
• Pope’s Campaign in Virginia (Kelly’s Ford, Sulphur Springs, Second Bull Run, Chantilly)
• Maryland Campaign (South Mountain, Antietam)
• Fredericksburg
• Burnside’s “Mud March”
• Siege of Vicksburg
• Pursuit to Jackson, Mississippi
• East Tennessee Campaign (Blue Springs, Campbell’s Station, Siege of Knoxville)
• Overland Campaign (Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor)
• Siege of Petersburg (Mine Explosion, Weldon Railroad, Poplar Spring Church, Hatcher’s Run, Fort Stedman, Final Assault)
• Peebles’ Farm

Casualties

• Total enrollment: 3,050
• Killed or mortally wounded: 202
• Died of disease, accident, or imprisonment: 385
• Total losses in all engagements: 925
• At Peebles’ Farm, 332 members captured

Casualty figures are based on Fox’s “Regimental Losses” and the New York Adjutant General’s reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Edward Ferrero
• Colonel Robert B. Potter
• Colonel Charles W. LeGendre
• Colonel Gilbert McKibben
• Colonel John G. Wright
• Lieutenant Colonel Robert B. Potter
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles W. LeGendre
• Lieutenant Colonel R. Charlton Mitchell
• Lieutenant Colonel Samuel H. Benjamin
• Lieutenant Colonel John G. Wright
• Lieutenant Colonel Thomas B. Marsh
• Major Robert B. Potter
• Major Charles W. LeGendre
• Major R. Charlton Mitchell
• Major John G. Wright
• Major Thomas B. Marsh
• Major George W. Whitman

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 51st New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details for all members of the regiment.

To view the full roster, visit the 51st New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 9, 12, 19, 21, 27, 29, 36, 40, 46
• 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,” Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 2