72nd New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 72nd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Camp Scott, Staten Island, New York, for Union service during the American Civil War. Mustered in from June to October 1861, the regiment was primarily composed of men from New York City and Chautauqua County. It served in the Army of the Potomac, participating in major campaigns and battles in the Eastern Theater. The 72nd New York was also known as the 3rd Regiment of the Excelsior Brigade and earned distinction for its combat record, being ranked by Fox as one of the “three hundred fighting regiments.”

Organization & Service

The 72nd New York Infantry was mustered into United States service at Camp Scott, Staten Island, between June and October 1861, for a three-year term. The regiment departed Staten Island for Washington, D.C., on July 24, 1861, with two companies joining later in October. Initially stationed near Washington, the regiment was assigned to Sickles’ Excelsior Brigade, part of Hooker’s Division. It served along the Potomac in Maryland and near Stafford Court House, Virginia, before moving to the Virginia Peninsula in April 1862 as part of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 3rd Corps.

The regiment suffered its first major losses at the Battle of Williamsburg in May 1862, where it lost 195 men killed, wounded, or missing. It was also engaged at Fair Oaks and throughout the Seven Days’ Battles. After the Peninsula Campaign, the 72nd participated in the Northern Virginia Campaign under General Pope, losing 37 men, and subsequently withdrew to the Washington area for rest and reinforcement. The regiment did not participate in the Maryland Campaign but moved to Falmouth, Virginia, in November 1862, and fought at Fredericksburg in December.

In 1863, the regiment took part in the Chancellorsville Campaign, suffering significant casualties, including the loss of Colonel Stevens and four other officers. At Gettysburg, the 72nd held an advanced position on the Emmitsburg Road and incurred heavy losses. The regiment continued to serve in subsequent actions at Kelly’s Ford, Bristoe Station, and during the Mine Run Campaign. After wintering at Brandy Station, the 72nd was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, 2nd Corps in April 1864 and participated in the Wilderness Campaign. On May 13, 1864, it was transferred to the 4th Brigade, 3rd Division, and remained active until June 19, when seven companies were mustered out before Petersburg. The remaining companies mustered out on July 2, July 20, and October 31, 1864. Veterans and recruits were transferred to the 120th New York Infantry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defenses of Washington (1861–1862)
• Peninsula Campaign (1862)
• Battle of Williamsburg
• Battle of Fair Oaks
• Seven Days’ Battles
• Northern Virginia Campaign (including Second Bull Run)
• Battle of Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville Campaign
• Battle of Gettysburg
• Kelly’s Ford
• Bristoe Station
• Mine Run Campaign
• Wilderness Campaign
• Operations before Petersburg

Casualties

According to official records, the 72nd New York Infantry lost a total of 184 men killed or mortally wounded in action, and 96 died from disease or other causes during its service. The regiment’s losses at specific battles included 77 killed or mortally wounded at Williamsburg, 101 at Chancellorsville, and 114 at Gettysburg.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Nelson Taylor
• Colonel William O. Stevens
• Colonel John S. Austin
• Lieutenant Colonel Israel Moses
• Lieutenant Colonel John S. Austin
• Lieutenant Colonel John Leonard
• Major William O. Stevens
• Major John Leonard
• Major Casper K. Abell

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 72nd 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 for those who served in the regiment.

To view the complete roster, visit the 72nd 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, 25, 27, 29, 36, 40.
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Reports for 1861–1864.
• 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, Vol. 2.