101st New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 101st New York Infantry (Union brigade or Onondaga regiment) was an infantry regiment organized for Union service during the American Civil War. Raised primarily in Delaware, New York, and Onondaga counties, the regiment was organized at Hancock, New York, and mustered into service between September 2, 1861, and February 28, 1862. The regiment served in the Eastern Theater and was attached to the Army of the Potomac, participating in several major campaigns and battles before its consolidation in late 1862.

Organization & Service

The 101st New York Infantry began organizing at Hancock, New York, on January 3, 1862, with recruitment efforts drawing men from Delaware, New York, and Onondaga counties. The regiment was mustered into United States service in stages from September 2, 1861, to February 28, 1862. After completing organization, the regiment departed New York for Washington, D.C., on March 9, 1862.

In June 1862, the 101st New York was assigned to Kearny’s Division, 3rd Corps, Army of the Potomac. The regiment participated in the Seven Days’ Battles, including actions at Oak Grove, Glendale, and Malvern Hill, suffering losses during the campaign. In August, the regiment marched with the 3rd Corps to Yorktown, then embarked for Alexandria and proceeded to Warrenton Junction to reinforce General Pope’s forces. The regiment was engaged at Groveton, the Second Battle of Bull Run, and Chantilly, sustaining especially heavy casualties at Bull Run—over 73 percent of those engaged. The regiment also fought at Fredericksburg in December 1862. On December 24, 1862, the 101st New York Infantry was consolidated with the 37th New York Infantry, and its officers were mustered out of service.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Seven Days’ Battles (including Oak Grove, Glendale, Malvern Hill)
• Groveton
• Second Bull Run
• Chantilly
• Fredericksburg

Casualties

• Killed and mortally wounded: 1 officer, 25 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 1 officer, 48 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 2 officers, 73 enlisted men
• At Second Bull Run: 6 killed, 101 wounded, 17 missing (total 124 out of 168 engaged)

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Enrico Fardella
• Colonel George F. Chester
• Lieutenant Colonel Johnson B. Brown
• Lieutenant Colonel Gustavus Sniper
• Major Gustavus Sniper
• Major Samuel L. Mitchell

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 101st New York Infantry, including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides details on the individuals who served in the regiment throughout its term of service.

To view the complete roster, visit the 101st New York Infantry Regimental Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 11, 12, 21
• 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, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)