76th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 76th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in New York State for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Known as the “Cortland Regiment,” it was principally recruited from Cortland and Otsego counties. The regiment was mustered into United States service at Albany on January 16, 1862, for a three-year term. The 76th New York served primarily in the Eastern Theater, participating in many of the major campaigns and battles of the Army of the Potomac.

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

Organization & Service

The 76th New York Infantry was organized at Albany and mustered in on January 16, 1862. The regiment departed New York the following day for Washington, D.C., where it was initially assigned to the 3rd Brigade, Casey’s Division, and performed duty in the defenses of Washington during the winter of 1861–62.

In the summer of 1862, the regiment was attached to the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 3rd Corps, and saw its first major combat during General Pope’s campaign in northern Virginia, suffering significant losses at the Second Battle of Manassas. Subsequently, the 76th New York was assigned to the 1st Corps and participated in the Maryland Campaign, including the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. The regiment continued with the Army of the Potomac through the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, serving in various brigade and division attachments within the 1st Corps.

At Gettysburg, the 76th New York played a prominent role and sustained heavy casualties. Prior to this battle, its ranks were reinforced by veterans and recruits from the 24th and 30th New York Infantry. After Gettysburg, the regiment continued to serve in the Army of the Potomac, participating in the Mine Run Campaign and wintering near Brandy Station. In January 1864, it was transferred to the 1st Brigade of the same division, returned to its old brigade in March, and was later assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, 5th Corps.

The regiment took part in the Overland Campaign, including the battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Totopotomoy, and Cold Harbor, and was engaged in the siege operations before Petersburg until the expiration of its service. The 76th New York was mustered out by companies between July 1, 1864, and January 1, 1865. Remaining veterans and recruits were transferred to the 147th New York Infantry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defenses of Washington (Winter 1861–62)
• Pope’s Campaign in Northern Virginia (including Second Manassas)
• South Mountain
• Antietam
• Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville (bridge guard duty)
• Gettysburg
• Mine Run Campaign
• Brandy Station (Winter 1863–64)
• Wilderness
• Spotsylvania
• North Anna
• Totopotomoy
• Cold Harbor
• Petersburg (Siege operations)

Casualties

During its service, the 76th New York Infantry lost 175 men killed or mortally wounded in action. An additional 166 died from accident, imprisonment, or disease, including 56 who died while in Confederate prisons. Total losses for the regiment were 341 men. These figures are based on official reports and regimental histories.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Nelson W. Green
• Colonel W. P. Wainwright
• Colonel Charles E. Livingston
• Lieutenant Colonel John D. Shaul
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles E. Livingston
• Lieutenant Colonel Andrew J. Grover
• Lieutenant Colonel John E. Cook
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles A. Watkins
• Major Charles E. Livingston
• Major Andrew J. Grover
• Major John E. Cook
• Major John W. Young

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 76th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and research purposes. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 76th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes relevant to Army of the Potomac operations
• 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