56th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 56th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Newburgh, New York, and mustered into United States service on October 28, 1861, for a three-year term. The regiment primarily drew its men from Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster counties. It served in the Union Army, participating in operations in both the Eastern and Southern theaters, and was notable for its varied service, including actions in Virginia and South Carolina.

The regiment initially included eleven companies, two light batteries, and two cavalry troops. The batteries were later detached to become the 7th and 8th Independent New York Batteries, and the cavalry elements joined the 1st New York Mounted Rifles. Company L became the 5th Company of New York Sharpshooters. The 56th New York Infantry was mustered out at Charleston, South Carolina, on October 17, 1865.

Organization & Service

The 56th New York Infantry was organized at Newburgh and mustered into service on October 28, 1861. After organization, the regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on November 7, 1861, where it was assigned to the 1st Brigade, Casey’s Division. The regiment remained in the vicinity of Washington until March 1862, performing defensive duties.

During the Peninsula Campaign, the 56th New York served in the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 4th Corps, participating in the siege of Yorktown and present at Williamsburg, Savage Station, and Bottom’s Bridge. At the Battle of Fair Oaks, the regiment suffered significant casualties. In June 1862, as part of Peck’s Division, 4th Corps, it was present during the Seven Days’ Battles but was not heavily engaged. After Malvern Hill, the regiment withdrew to Yorktown.

In December 1862, the brigade, under General Naglee, was assigned to the 18th Corps and moved to South Carolina in early January 1863. The 56th New York served in the Charleston area, participating in the siege of Fort Wagner in July 1863 and subsequent operations. In March 1863, it was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 18th Corps, and transferred to the 10th Corps in October. The regiment was stationed on Folly Island and at Beaufort during its time with the 18th Corps.

In the summer of 1864, the regiment was stationed at James Island. It lost 50 men in the engagement at Honey Hill and was active at Coosawhatchie and Boyd’s Point in December 1864, also participating in operations at Deveaux Neck with further losses. Non-reenlisted members were mustered out at the expiration of their terms, while the regiment continued to serve in the Department of the South, remaining in the coast division through the winter of 1864–65. The 56th New York was stationed at Charleston from March to October 17, 1865, when it was mustered out of service.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defenses of Washington, D.C. (1861–1862)
• Siege of Yorktown (April–May 1862)
• Williamsburg
• Savage Station
• Bottom’s Bridge
• Fair Oaks (Seven Pines)
• Seven Days’ Battles
• Malvern Hill
• Siege of Fort Wagner (July 1863)
• Operations around Charleston, S.C.
• James Island (1864)
• Honey Hill
• Coosawhatchie
• Boyd’s Point
• Deveaux Neck (December 1864)
• Department of the South operations (1865)

Casualties

During its term of service, the 56th New York Infantry lost 64 men by death from wounds and 216 from other causes. Total losses reported: 280. If casualty figures differ in other primary sources, those variations are not detailed here.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Charles H. Van Wyck
• Colonel Rockwell Tyler
• Lieutenant Colonel James Jordan
• Lieutenant Colonel Frederic Decker
• Lieutenant Colonel John J. Wheeler
• Lieutenant Colonel Rockwell Tyler
• Lieutenant Colonel Eliphas Smith
• Major Jacob Sharpe
• Major John J. Wheeler
• Major Rockwell Tyler
• Major Eliphas Smith
• Major James Dubois

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 56th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the full roster, visit the 56th 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, Department of the South)
• 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