108th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 108th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Rochester, New York, and mustered into United States service for three years between August 16 and 18, 1862. The regiment served in the Union Army, primarily within the Army of the Potomac, and participated in many of the major campaigns and battles of the Eastern Theater. The 108th New York was noted for its heavy engagement and losses in several significant battles, including Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg.

The regiment was composed of volunteers from Monroe County and surrounding areas. It was recognized for its discipline and gallantry, with several officers receiving brevet promotions for meritorious service. The 108th New York Infantry mustered out on May 28, 1865, at Bailey’s Cross Roads, Virginia.

Organization & Service

The 108th New York Infantry was recruited and organized at Rochester, New York, and mustered into Federal service for three years on August 16–18, 1862. The regiment departed New York on August 19, 1862, and was initially stationed in the defenses of Washington, D.C. On September 6, 1862, it was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division (French’s), 2nd Corps, Army of the Potomac.

The regiment saw its first combat at the Battle of Antietam, suffering significant casualties. It continued to serve with the 2nd Corps, participating in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, each time incurring heavy losses. In October 1863, the regiment was engaged at Auburn and Bristoe Station, and later took part in the Mine Run campaign and the action at Morton’s Ford in February 1864.

Following the reorganization of the Army of the Potomac in March 1864, the 108th was assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 2nd Corps. The regiment participated in the Overland Campaign, including the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and the series of battles leading to the siege of Petersburg. It was engaged at the Weldon Railroad, Deep Bottom, Strawberry Plains, Reams’ Station, Boydton Plank Road, Hatcher’s Run, and the final assault on Petersburg. The last engagement of the regiment occurred at Farmville, Virginia, two days before the surrender at Appomattox. The regiment mustered out on May 28, 1865, with remaining men transferred to the 59th New York Infantry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defenses of Washington, D.C. (August–September 1862)
• Battle of Antietam (September 17, 1862)
• Battle of Fredericksburg (December 11–15, 1862)
• Battle of Chancellorsville (May 1–5, 1863)
• Battle of Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863)
• Auburn and Bristoe Station (October 1863)
• Mine Run Campaign (November–December 1863)
• Morton’s Ford (February 6–7, 1864)
• Wilderness Campaign (May–June 1864)
• Battle of the Wilderness (May 5–7, 1864)
• Battle of Spotsylvania Court House (May 8–21, 1864)
• Engagements leading to Petersburg (June 1864)
• Weldon Railroad (June–August 1864)
• Deep Bottom (July–August 1864)
• Strawberry Plains (August 1864)
• Reams’ Station (August 25, 1864)
• Boydton Plank Road (October 27–28, 1864)
• Hatcher’s Run (February 5–7, 1865)
• Final assault on Petersburg (April 2, 1865)
• Farmville (April 7, 1865)

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 9 officers, 106 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 90 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 205

Casualty figures are based on official reports and regimental histories.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Oliver H. Palmer (brevet Brigadier General)
• Colonel Charles J. Powers (brevet Brigadier General)
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles J. Powers
• Lieutenant Colonel Francis E. Pierce
• Major George B. Force (killed at Antietam)
• Major Francis E. Pierce
• Major Harmon S. Hogaboom
• Major William H. Andrews

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of soldiers who served in the 108th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) is available on the regiment’s roster page. This roster includes names, ranks, enlistment dates, and additional service details when available.

To view the full roster, visit the 108th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 19, 21, 25, 27, 29, 36, 40, 46
• 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