77th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 77th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the Saratoga Regiment, was an infantry regiment from New York that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Saratoga, New York, the regiment was mustered into United States service on November 23, 1861, for a three-year term. The unit drew its companies from Westport, Ballston, Saratoga, Wilton, Keeseville, and Gloversville. The 77th New York served primarily in the Eastern Theater and was attached to the Army of the Potomac and later the Army of the Shenandoah, participating in numerous major campaigns and battles throughout the war.

Organization & Service

The 77th New York Infantry was organized at Saratoga and mustered in on November 23, 1861. Shortly after, the regiment departed New York on November 28, 1861, for Washington, D.C., where it was assigned to the 3rd Brigade of Casey’s Division in the defenses of Washington for the winter. In March 1862, the regiment became part of Smith’s Division, 4th Corps, and took part in the Peninsula Campaign, including actions at Yorktown, Williamsburg, Mechanicsville, and the Seven Days’ Battles.

In May 1862, the regiment was assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 6th Corps, with which it served for the remainder of the war. After encamping at Harrison’s Landing, the 77th participated in the Maryland Campaign, including Crampton’s Gap and Antietam, suffering its first significant losses at the latter. The regiment was present at Fredericksburg in December 1862 but did not play a prominent role. In May 1863, it took part in the assault on Marye’s Heights at Chancellorsville, incurring heavy casualties.

During the Gettysburg Campaign, the 77th New York was present but not heavily engaged. The regiment subsequently participated in operations at Fairfield, Antietam, Marsh Run, Funkstown, Williamsport, and Chantilly. In November 1863, it was involved in the capture of prisoners at Rappahannock Station and the Mine Run Campaign. Many members reenlisted during the winter of 1863–1864, and the regiment entered the Overland Campaign with new recruits. The 77th suffered significant losses at the Wilderness and Spottsylvania, and was also engaged at Cold Harbor and in the trenches before Petersburg.

In July 1864, the 6th Corps, including the 77th, was sent to Washington, D.C., where it fought at Fort Stevens. The regiment then participated in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign, including battles at Charlestown, Opequon, Fisher’s Hill, Cedar Creek, and Winchester. Returning to Petersburg in December 1864, the original members not reenlisted were mustered out on December 13, 1864. The remaining men were consolidated into a battalion of five companies on November 19, 1864. The battalion was active at Fort Stedman and during the final assault on Petersburg, as well as the Appomattox Campaign. The regiment was mustered out at Washington, D.C., on June 27, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defenses of Washington (Winter 1861–1862)
• Peninsula Campaign (Yorktown, Williamsburg, Mechanicsville, Seven Days’ Battles)
• Maryland Campaign (Crampton’s Gap, Antietam)
• Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville (Marye’s Heights)
• Gettysburg Campaign
• Fairfield, Marsh Run, Funkstown, Williamsport, Chantilly
• Rappahannock Station
• Mine Run Campaign
• Overland Campaign (Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor)
• Petersburg (Siege operations)
• Fort Stevens (Defense of Washington)
• Shenandoah Valley Campaign (Charlestown, Opequon, Fisher’s Hill, Cedar Creek, Winchester)
• Fort Stedman
• Appomattox Campaign

Casualties

During its service, the 77th New York Infantry lost 108 men by death from wounds and 176 by death from disease and other causes. Total losses are based on official reports; figures may vary slightly in different sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel James B. McKean
• Colonel Winsor B. French
• Colonel David J. Caw
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph C. Henderson
• Lieutenant Colonel Samuel McKee
• Lieutenant Colonel Winsor B. French
• Lieutenant Colonel Nathan S. Babcock
• Lieutenant Colonel David J. Caw
• Lieutenant Colonel Isaac D. Clapp
• Major Selden Hetzel
• Major Winsor B. French
• Major Nathan S. Babcock
• Major David J. Caw
• Major Isaac D. Clapp
• Major Charles E. Stevens

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 77th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details valuable for genealogical research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 77th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 11, 19, 21, 25, 27, 29, 36, 39, 40, 43
• 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, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)