66th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 66th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the “Governor’s Guard,” served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized primarily in New York City, the regiment was mustered into United States service on November 4, 1861, for a three-year term. The 66th New York participated in many of the major campaigns and battles of the Army of the Potomac, distinguishing itself through sustained combat service in the Eastern Theater.

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

Organization & Service

The 66th New York Infantry was formed from recruits in New York City, drawing heavily from the 6th militia. The regiment mustered in at New York on November 4, 1861, and departed for Washington, D.C., on November 16, 1861. Initially assigned to Graham’s Brigade, Buell’s Division, it was transferred in January 1862 to French’s Brigade, Sumner’s Division, which became the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 2nd Corps, Army of the Potomac by March 1862.

The regiment reached the Virginia Peninsula in time to participate in the latter stages of the siege of Yorktown. It was engaged at Fair Oaks and throughout the Seven Days’ Battles. At Antietam, the 66th suffered its most severe loss, with 103 men killed, wounded, or captured. The regiment continued with the Army of the Potomac through Charlestown, West Virginia, and Snicker’s Gap, then fought at Fredericksburg, where it lost 75 out of 238 engaged. In the Chancellorsville Campaign, as part of the 3rd (Zook’s) Brigade, Hancock’s Division, the regiment lost 70 men.

The 66th New York was present at Gettysburg and participated in the actions at Auburn and Bristoe Station. After the Mine Run Campaign, the regiment wintered with the Army of the Potomac. In the spring of 1864, it was assigned to the 4th Brigade of its old division and took part in Grant’s Overland Campaign, suffering heavy losses in the Wilderness and at Cold Harbor, where Colonel Morris, commanding the brigade, was killed. The regiment was also engaged in the initial assaults on Petersburg, incurring further casualties. In the autumn of 1864, original members who did not reenlist were mustered out, while reenlisted men and recruits continued service as a veteran organization. After the fall of Petersburg, the regiment was ordered to Fort Richmond, New York Harbor, and was mustered out on August 30, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Siege of Yorktown (1862)
• Battle of Fair Oaks
• Seven Days’ Battles
• Battle of Antietam
• March through Charlestown, W. Va., and Snicker’s Gap
• Battle of Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville Campaign
• Battle of Gettysburg
• Actions at Auburn and Bristoe Station
• Mine Run Campaign
• Wilderness Campaign
• Battle of Cold Harbor
• Siege of Petersburg

Casualties

During its service, the 66th New York Infantry lost 107 men killed or mortally wounded and 124 men to other causes, including disease and accidents. These figures are based on regimental and federal reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Joseph C. Pinckney
• Colonel Orlando H. Morris
• Colonel John S. Hammell
• Lieutenant Colonel James H. Bull
• Lieutenant Colonel John S. Hammell
• Major Orlando H. Morris
• Major Peter Nelson

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 66th 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 66th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 5, 9, 11, 19, 21, 27, 29, 36, 40, 46
• 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