91st New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 91st 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. Recruitment was primarily from Albany, Redford, Hudson, Schenectady, Hillsdale, Chatham, and Castleton. The regiment was mustered into service at Albany between September and December 1861 for a three-year term. It served in both the Gulf and Eastern theaters, participating in significant campaigns and enduring heavy losses.

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

Organization & Service

The 91st New York Infantry was organized at Albany, New York, and mustered in for three years’ service from September to December 1861. The regiment departed New York for Washington, D.C., on January 9, 1862, where it was quartered briefly before being ordered to Fort Pickens, Florida. After its service in Florida, the regiment was transferred to Louisiana, where it was attached to the 1st Brigade, 4th Division, 19th Army Corps.

In July 1863, the 91st New York was stationed at Fort Jackson, Louisiana, and equipped as heavy artillery. The regiment played an active role in the siege of Port Hudson, suffering significant casualties. Following the siege, enough men reenlisted to maintain the regiment’s veteran status. In the autumn of 1864, the regiment returned to Baltimore, Maryland, and was assigned to the 2nd Separate Brigade, 8th Corps. In March 1865, all but one company were ordered to Petersburg, Virginia, where the regiment participated in the final operations of the siege as part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 5th Corps. The regiment sustained heavy losses during the Appomattox Campaign. The 91st New York Infantry was mustered out near Washington, D.C., on July 3, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Duty at Washington, D.C. (early 1862)
• Fort Pickens, Florida
• Operations in Louisiana
• Siege of Port Hudson (1863)
• Garrison duty at Fort Jackson, Louisiana
• Baltimore, Maryland (autumn 1864)
• Petersburg, Virginia (March–April 1865)
• Appomattox Campaign (1865)

Casualties

According to official records, the 91st New York Infantry lost 114 men killed or mortally wounded in action, and 188 died from other causes during its term of service. Total losses amounted to 302 men. Figures are based on Dyer’s Compendium and state reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Jacob Van Zandt
• Colonel Jonathan Tarbell
• Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Tarbell
• Lieutenant Colonel William J. Denslow
• Major Charles G. Clark
• Major George W. Stackhouse
• Major William J. Denslow
• Major Alfred Wagstaff, Jr.

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 91st New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 91st New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XV, XXVI, XXXIV, XLVI
• New York State Adjutant General’s Reports, Annual Reports for 1861–1865
• 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