54th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 54th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), known as the “Barney Black Rifles,” was an infantry regiment organized in New York City and Brooklyn, primarily composed of men of German origin, with one company from the McClellan Infantry. The regiment was mustered into United States service at Hudson City, New Jersey, between September 5 and October 16, 1861, for a three-year term. Serving with the Union Army, the 54th New York participated in major campaigns in the Eastern and Southern theaters throughout the Civil War.

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

Organization & Service

The 54th New York Infantry was organized in the fall of 1861 and mustered in at Hudson City, New Jersey. The regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on October 29, 1861, and was initially attached to the provisional brigade of Casey’s Division. In December 1861, it was reassigned to Steinwehr’s Brigade, Blenker’s Division, and remained in the defenses of Washington until April 1862.

In April 1862, Blenker’s Division was ordered to Virginia and assigned to General Fremont’s command. The 54th New York served in the 1st Brigade, operating near Strasburg, and participated in the Battle of Cross Keys on June 8, 1862. On June 26, the regiment joined the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 1st Corps, Army of Virginia. Under General Sigel, the regiment saw action at Fox’s Ford, Sulphur Springs, Waterloo Bridge, Groveton, and Manassas during General Pope’s campaign.

After September 12, 1862, the 1st Corps became the 11th Corps, and the 54th was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division. The regiment wintered at Stafford, Virginia, and participated in the Chancellorsville Campaign in late April 1863, suffering significant casualties. Following a brief rest near Falmouth, the regiment marched to Gettysburg, where it was engaged on July 1 and 2, 1863, particularly on Cemetery Hill.

After Gettysburg, the regiment camped near Hagerstown, Maryland, until August 7, 1863, when it was ordered to Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, and assigned to the 10th Corps, 1st Brigade, Gordon’s Division. The 54th New York was stationed on Folly Island, took part in the siege of Fort Wagner and the bombardment of Fort Sumter, and remained in the area through the winter of 1863–64. A sufficient number of men reenlisted to continue as a veteran organization. In the summer of 1864, the regiment was posted on James Island, where it was actively engaged in July.

In March 1865, the regiment left James Island to enter Charleston, South Carolina. On June 22, 1865, it received veterans and recruits from the 127th and 157th New York regiments. The 54th New York remained in Charleston until April 14, 1866, when it was mustered out of service.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defense of Washington, D.C. (1861–1862)
• Battle of Cross Keys (June 8, 1862)
• Pope’s Campaign in Northern Virginia: Fox’s Ford, Sulphur Springs, Waterloo Bridge, Groveton, Second Manassas (August 1862)
• Chancellorsville Campaign (April–May 1863)
• Battle of Gettysburg (July 1–2, 1863)
• Operations near Charleston Harbor: Siege of Fort Wagner, Bombardment of Fort Sumter (1863)
• Engagements on James Island (July 1864)
• Occupation of Charleston (March 1865–April 1866)

Casualties

According to available primary sources, the 54th New York Infantry lost 40 men by death from wounds and 102 by death from accident, disease, or imprisonment during its service. The regiment suffered 42 killed, wounded, or missing at Chancellorsville and 102 killed, wounded, or missing at Gettysburg. Total losses for the regiment are not always consistent across sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Eugene A. Kozlay
• Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hock
• Lieutenant Colonel William P. Wainwright
• Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Kovacs
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles Ashby
• Lieutenant Colonel Bankson Taylor Morgan
• Major Louis Von Litrow
• Major Charles Ashby
• Major Stephen Kovacs

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 54th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.

To view the complete roster, visit the 54th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts.
• 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.